Chemotherapy And Radiotherapy For Mesothelioma

Chemotherapy And Radiotherapy For Mesothelioma

Radiotherapy
This type of treatment is long it comes to the treatment of mesothelioma. Over the years, this therapy has evolved into a much more precise system, as a result of the tremendous gains. It is common that mesothelioma patients are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is used to remove the cancerous tissue once the patient is undergoing surgery. In some cases, radiation therapy is used to relieve the symptoms of mesothelioma so that the quality of life of the patient is better.

External radiotherapy
Radiotherapy externaHay two types of radiation therapy for the treatment of mesothelioma. External radiation is the best known and the most used. Using a machine focuses the radiation in the area of the leather which is infected with cancer, patient without having physical contact with the machine. This treatment method is not painful and is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Radiation is used to kill cancer cells is very powerful. Hence, as a result, during the process also healthy cells, are eliminated which certainly causes an unpleasant side effect. The duration of the treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer. Normally the treatment ranges from five sessions per week to an every few weeks. Each session lasts 30 minutes.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is the second form of radiation used to treat mesothelioma. This therapy is to shoot directly in the cancerous tumor. It is a new procedure, but it is showing promising results for patients with mesothelioma. This type of radiation is more accurate, so there are few healthy cells which are destroyed during the process.

Brachytherapy involves introducing rods or radioactive seeds into the tumor site. Using general anesthesia, using catheter to implant the seeds or rods. The implants can be removed after a brief period of time or leave them permanently. Rods are no longer emitting radiation last three twelve months. This type of treatment is usually given on an outpatient basis.

Side effects

Both radiation methods have side effects such as severe fatigue, dry or reddened skin or digestive problems. However radiotherapy has fewer side effects than chemotherapy and is a valid treatment option.