Types of Radiation Therapy For Mesothelioma

There are several types of mesothelioma radiation therapies — external, internal, and systemic—and the type and dose used depend on various factors including the location and extent of the cancer.

External radiation as the name suggests, is delivered by a beam from a machine outside the body to a targeted location of cells or tumors inside the body. It is used in the treatment of most cancers, particularly those such as mesothelioma cancer that are difficult to remove or have a high rate of recurrence.

Internal radiation, or brachytherapy, is less commonly used for mesothelioma treatment. It involves the placement of radioactive material—usually contained in a small tube, capsule or seed—into the body near the site of the mesothelioma cancer (in the chest or the abdomen).
Systemic Radiation

In systemic radiation, a radioactive substance is taken orally or via injection and circulated throughout the body.

Chronic Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Chronic side effects of radiation therapy mesothelioma occur months to years after the radiation therapy is administered. These side effects vary and should be explained fully by your physician before treatment begins. Blood count levels will also be closely monitored after treatment of malignant mesothelioma with radiation. A low white blood cell count decreases a patient's ability to fight off infection, while a low red blood cell count can result in anemia. Additionally, a low platelet count increases the chance of excessive bleeding.

* Low White Blood Count: If a patient has a low white blood cell count they are urged to check their temperature at least four times per day to make sure they are not running a fever. In addition, patients should eliminate uncooked foods from their diet, avoid fresh flowers and plants, and avoid dental work.
* Low Red Blood Count: If a patient has a low red blood cell count they are urged to get a lot of sleep and avoid strenuous activity. In addition, patients should eat a diet high in iron, drink a lot of water, and avoid caffeine.
* Low Platelet Count: If a patient has a low platelet count they are urged to avoid activity that could result in injury. In addition, patients should avoid aspirin and other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

Radiation Therapy Mesothelioma - Can Be Tough On Body

Radiation therapy mesothelioma is usually unable to destroy the entire tumor or completely eliminate the malignancy from nearby tissues. Radiology is usually used in combination with several other therapies, such as surgery and chemotherapy, in a carefully customized treatment plan. Unfortunately no treatment or combination of treatments is able to remove all diseased cells without serious effects on the patient's body. The remaining cells continue to divide and multiply.
Although radiation therapy helps relieve symptoms of the disease, such as pain and shortness of breath, it also causes side effects. Healthy cells as well as tumor cells in the treated area are affected by this treatment. This damage to the healthy cells results in the side effects of radiation therapy. Some side effects of radiation can include fatigue, difficulty swallowing, skin irritation, stiffness and aching, hair loss, and digestive problems.

Radiation Therapy Mesothelioma - Some Hope

Radiation therapy mesothelioma is the use of high-dose radiation to destroy or reduce malignant tumors. The radiation used is high-energy x-rays, neutrons, photons, cobalt or other radiation sources. Radiation can be delivered by way of internal radiation therapy, external-beam radiation therapy, or radioisotopes. Internal radiation therapy delivers radiation through sealed thin plastic tubes, needles, wires, or catheters and placed near or into the tumor being targeted. External-beam radiation therapy delivers radiation through a machine directing a beam of radiation. Radioisotopes are materials that produce radiation. In a series of treatments the radiation damages cancer cells so they no longer divide or multiply. The tumor is thereby reduced in size.