How Radiation Works for Asbestos Cancer Patients
While no two patients are alike, necessitating a unique treatment strategy
for everyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, radiation therapy is one of
the most commonly used treatment methods. Radiation therapy works by targeting
cancer cells and shrinking tumors. The major benefit of radiation is that
the side effects are not as severe as those experienced with
chemotherapy. Radiation is also an effective
treatment option regardless of what stage the cancer has reached, how large the tumor is,
and to where it has spread.
Sometimes, radiation is used in conjunction with other treatment methods
such as tumor removal
surgery or chemotherapy. Again, the approach your oncologist chooses will depend
on your unique circumstances.
Radiation therapy takes a targeted approach at combatting mesothelioma.
With chemotherapy, the chemicals cannot distinguish between healthy cells
and cancer cells, so patients often experience the death of good cells
like hair cells and red blood cells. Radiation, on the other hand, targets
the cancerous cells specifically.
Radiation Therapy for Pain Relief
Radiation therapy is not only used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
It is also used for pain management in patients living with mesothelioma.
By reducing the size of the tumor, the patient often experiences less
pain and less pressure in their lung and chest region.
Types of Radiation Therapies
Radiation therapy comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Some of the most
common include:
-
External Beam Radiation
This is a non-surgical radiation option used to target tumors with radiation rays.
-
Intraoperative Radiation
This type of radiation therapy is actually a component of a surgical procedure
in which the doctor uses radiation beams to prevent the spread of cancer
cells during surgery.
-
Radiation for Peritoneal (Abdominal) Mesothelioma
People diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma are more limited in the
type of radiation therapy they can receive. This is due to the location
of the cancerous cells. Radiation can kill sensitive organs in the abdominal
cavity, such as the liver and kidneys.
If you would like to learn more about radiation therapy, a trusted oncologist
would be your best resource. Worthington & Caron, PC provides its
clients with access to the nation’s foremost mesothelioma physicians
who are skilled in common treatments such as radiation as well as in
alternative treatments and
novel therapies. Call us today to learn more.