Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma

Radiation therapy, (radiotherapy) is where high-energy rays (x-rays) kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area, and can kill healthy cells too. There are two types. One type involves shooting radiation at the cells with a machine, or injecting it with a needle. The second type (Brachytherapy )involves placing a sealed capsule (seed) in the proper place.

Radiation damages or kills the cancer cells. This stops them from multiplying. The tumor shrinks and pain is reduced. It may also slow the spread of the rapid growing cells. Each treatment kills more cells, and the tumor shrinks.

External beam radiation therapy is often used to treat mesothelioma, especially in patients who are too weak to undergo surgery. It is also used after surgery to get cancer cells the surgeons were unable to remove.

Palliative radiation therapy eases the symptoms like shortness of breath, pain, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing. It is not a cure, but it improves the quality of life for the patient, by decreasing the tumor.

The side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue and a skin problem that looks like sunburn. These are temporary. However, this treatment may make the side effects of chemo therapy worse.