An Overview of Lung Cancer Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. When used to treat
lung cancer, radiation therapy is directed to a limited area and affects the cancer cells only in that area.
Radiation therapy may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor, or after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain in the treated area. In the treatment of lung cancer, radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy and used in place of surgery. Radiation therapy may also be used to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath.
To receive radiation therapy, patients go to the hospital or clinic, often 5 days a week for several weeks.
Types of Lung Cancer Radiation Therapy
When radiotherapy is used to treat lung cancer, radiation is usually administered using a machine (external radiation). The radiation can also come from an implant (a small container of radioactive material) placed directly into or near the tumor (internal radiation).
Side Effects of Lung Cancer Radiation Therapy
Lung cancer radiation therapy, like chemotherapy, affects normal as well as cancerous cells. Side effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the part of the body that is treated and the treatment dose.
When used to treat patients with lung cancer, radiation therapy may cause side effects such as the following:
- A dry, sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Skin changes at the site of treatment
- Loss of appetite.
Patients receiving radiation to the brain may have
headaches, skin changes, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, or problems with memory and thought processes.
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