The Mesothelioma Radiation

Radiation therapy is one of the oldest forms of mesothelioma cancer treatment available though it has consistently gotten more sophisticated as the years have passed. The techniques now available to deliver the radiation have resulted in more targeted therapy and better results. For mesothelioma patients, radiation is often used together with chemotherapy or may be used after surgery designed to remove as much of the cancer as possible. It may also be used to relieve some of the symptoms of mesothelioma disease and make the patient more comfortable.

Radiation is delivered to mesothelioma patients in one of two ways:

•External beam radiation – This is the "original" form of radiation treatment. It is administered by means of a machine that delivers an external source of radiation directly to the affected area where the tumor is located. The treatment is painless and is delivered in an outpatient facility, so no hospital stays are necessary. The radiation is intended to kill cancer cells and to stop them from multiplying. However, healthy cells are also sometimes affected.
•Mesothelioma Brachytherapy – A more targeted form of radiation that delivers the treatment directly to the area that is affected while causing little damage to nearby healthy cells, brachytherapy involves the implantation of tiny seeds of radioactive material in the body, directly into or near the tumor. Some brachytherapy is temporary and the rods or seeds are removed after a pre-designated amount of time. Another form of brachytherapy is permanent and the seeds are left in place though they do eventually stop emitting radiation.
Side Effects of Mesothelioma Radiation
Overall, radiation therapy carries far fewer side effects than chemotherapy though the two are often used together to treat mesothelioma cancer. The most common complaints from radiation patients include:

•Severe fatigue – Radiation seems to zap the energy of those who undergo the treatment and many individuals report an extreme level of fatigue during the course of treatment. Many patients also report that the fatigue remains for months or even years after the treatment is complete.
•Skin problems – Redness, dryness, peeling, and a darkening of the skin are common side effects of radiation therapy. Burning of the skin is less rampant then it was in the early days of radiation treatment though it can still occur to some degree.
•Mouth problems – Most patients undergoing radiation treatment report extreme dry mouth or inflammation of the oral cavity as well as changes in taste. These should be reported to a doctor immediately if they are interfering with eating.
Many radiation patients find some relief from these side effects using alternative treatments such as massage, acupuncture, and aromatherapy.