Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for mesothelioma and many other forms of cancer. The goal of this process is to target cancerous growths with a beam of radiation that can destroy malformed cells. It is often used as a form of palliative care - that is, it can shrink tumors to relieve the pain they cause to patients, but cannot usually destroy them completely.
Unfortunately, this approach is associated with several different kinds of side effect. Their exact nature and the extent of the problem will vary widely between patients, depending on the type and intensity of treatment they receive. There are several different kinds of radiotherapy today, which are administered based on patients' diagnoses, needs, and overall health.
In a typical case, the patient will come to the hospital on a regular basis to receive treatments. He or she will be seated in a special chair that may include restraints. This is not to trap the patient, of course, but to ensure he or she remains perfectly still to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. A beam will then be directed at the targeted area for a few minutes. For most people, this is painless.
Handling Side Effects
The immediate effects of treatment are usually negligible, but problems may develop later on. Some potential effects, and ways to deal with them, include:
Skin irritation: The area of skin that is targeted during a session may become red and begin to hurt, similar to a sunburn. Some patients report itching and flaking as well. Fortunately, there are many different kinds of gels, creams, and other products that can reduce this inflammation. Your doctor may also decide to prescribe painkillers, or you may benefit from a simple soak in lukewarm water.
Fatigue: This is one of the most commonly reported side effects. Cancer treatment is draining, and can leave you feeling physically and mentally exhausted. If you experience this problem, tell your doctor so you can be examined for anemia or other conditions that may be causing it. To reduce the symptom, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat as much protein as you can.
Shortness of breath: Unfortunately, treatment will sometimes cause a little damage to healthy tissue as well as cancerous cells. This can create a persistent shortness of breath, frequent coughing, or other breathing problems. These side effects should always be reported to your doctor right away, as they can become severe. They can sometimes be treated with steroids or with other methods.
To learn more about lung cancer treatment and other important facts, visit the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Resource Center.
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