Mesothelioma Caused by Radiation Therapy
Mesothelioma develops due to genetic mutations that cause cells to grow and multiply beyond their limits. Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy rays directed directly at cancer tumors to kill cancerous cells.
Radiation therapy is often recommended by mesothelioma experts in the context of multimodal treatment plans. They may recommend this treatment before, during or after surgery for pleural mesothelioma.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects certain organs of the body, including the linings of the lungs as well as the stomach is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is caused by exposure to asbestos an element that is naturally occurring that was used in many blue-collar industries and the military before it was banned. Asbestos is extremely durable and resistant to heat, which is why it was used for insulation, brakes and shingles and many other types of products. Exposure to asbestos usually occurs when these materials are damaged or broken, and the fibers become airborne. Asbestos is very inhalable, and it is also swallowed. Mesothelioma may take between 20 and 60 years to develop after the initial exposure.
There are three major types of mesothelioma: pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are absorbed into the lungs and lining of the chest cavity. This type of cancer is the most common. Less common are pericardial and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. The type of mesothelioma you have will determine your treatment plan will be carried out.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is taking an medical history and an examination. Your doctor may order imaging tests such as an X ray or CT scan. These tests can help doctors identify abnormal thickening in the lining of your lung or other signs of Mesothelioma such as calcium deposits or accumulation of fluid. They can also check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Another important test is biopsy. In this procedure, your doctor will remove a small amount of tissue to determine if mesothelioma is present. A tissue sample is then taken to a lab where mesothelioma-related cells are examined at under a microscope. You may also undergo other tests, depending on the type and size of the cancer. These include positron emission (PET) which entails giving you a shot of a radioactive substance and then taking photographs of your body. Cancer cells absorb the substance more than healthy cells, which is why they appear brighter on the pictures.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma the doctor will formulate a treatment plan that is based on the stage of the disease, the cell type and general health. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most popular treatments for a mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be treated using modern techniques, like immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields.
How can radiation be used to treat mesothelioma?
A mesothelioma doctor might recommend radiation therapy to help eliminate cancerous cells, shrink tumors, or stop the repeat incidence. Radiation therapy is used prior to or following surgery, or on its own. It is usually part of a multimodal approach which includes surgery and chemotherapy. Patients receiving radiation as part of their treatment must carefully discuss the pros and cons of this option with their medical professionals.
Mesothelioma treatment can be administered through a machine that directs radiation beams to a specific area on the body. Oncologists call this external beam radiation therapy. This method of delivering the radiation is usually the most effective for pleural mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma patients with mesothelioma of the peritoneal region should consult their oncologists about other methods of radiation delivery.
The type of radiation suggested is dependent on the location and treatment of mesothelioma. For instance, a mesothelioma patient undergoing lung removal procedures such as pneumonectomy or lobectomy is likely to receive EBRT as part of their surgical and recovery process. This is due to the fact that pleural cancer can grow in the lining of the lung, and if this region is removed surgically, the patient may be at risk for complications.
Mesothelioma doctors can also use brachytherapy to direct radiation to the mesothelioma area. This method uses a tiny tube that is placed in the tumor of mesothelioma, and then radiation is administered over a long period of time. This kind of radiation is used to treat pleural and peritoneal cancers. It is typically coupled with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Patients should discuss the possibility of complications with their mesothelioma specialist before beginning any radiation treatment. what is mesothelioma caused by must be prepared to make adjustments to their daily routine for example, eating a stricter diet while undergoing EBRT. Patients should be sure to discuss any other medications they're taking, such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, with their doctors because some of these can be incompatible with certain forms of mesothelioma treatment.
In addition to radiation, a mesothelioma specialist might recommend other forms of systemic therapies to be combined with radiation or as an individual treatment plan. Chemotherapy, the most common type of systemic therapy is used to treat mesothelioma. However, other drugs such as vinflunine and adriamycin may be used to lessen or eliminate symptoms prior to or after radiation.
What are the possible side effects of mesothelioma radiation therapy?
Patients can suffer from a variety of side effects as they undergo treatment. These adverse effects can differ from person-to-person. These effects are usually short-term and easy to treat. Mesothelioma patients need to be aware of their symptoms and talk to a mesothelioma specialist if they have questions about their condition or treatment plans.
The most popular type of radiation is external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). In EBRT, doctors aim high-energy radiation directly at the tumor. Mesothelioma specialists utilize IMRT or intensity modulated radiation therapy, to focus on specific parts of the tumor and prevent damage to surrounding tissues.
In the course of a typical treatment patients suffering from mesothelioma sit on the table in a fixed position. For patients who find it difficult to maintain a steady position, radiation oncologists will provide them with an immobilization device like neck or head cradles to help. In some instances, patients receive multiple treatments each week for a period of five to six weeks.
Mesothelioma radiation therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery. It can also improve the quality of life and prolong survival. It is also used as a form of palliative treatment for mesothelioma of the pleural region to ease pain by shrinking tumors as well as alleviating the pressure on the chest cavity.
Patients may require a particular diet when receiving mesothelioma radiation. Since the radiation is directed to the areas close to the stomach and throat patients are advised to eat soft or bland foods. This will prevent irritation and allow your body to heal following radiation exposure.
Another mesothelioma treatment option is brachytherapy. This involves introducing the radioactive source directly into the tumor. This is usually done through an endoscopic procedure referred to as a brochoscopy. However certain radiation oncologists employ a catheter to deliver radiation through the mouth.
Proton radiation, a more recent method of treating mesothelioma, makes use of proton particles to kill cancerous cells instead of photons. Initial results suggest that the method may be more efficient than traditional radiation when treating pleural mesothelioma. However, research is still ongoing. Patients undergoing mesothelioma radiation therapy are able to discuss their options with mesothelioma specialists.
What are the treatment options for mesothelioma that is caused by radiation?
The use of radiation therapy, when combined with chemotherapy and surgery can be used to treat mesothelioma that is malignant. This treatment is utilized to kill mesothelioma cells that are not detected and remain after surgery, and decrease the possibility of cancer recurrence. It is also a method to alleviate symptoms such as breathlessness and pain caused by mesothelioma.
Before mesothelioma patients start radiation treatments, their physician will create a treatment plan and discuss possible side effects. They will also consider any medications the patient may be taking and if they interact with mesothelioma treatments or have any other side effects. Mesothelioma patients must be prepared to meet with their mesothelioma treatment team regularly for follow-up appointments.
Mesothelioma patients may receive radiation in two ways that include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy). During EBRT a mesothelioma specialist will set up a machine that emits high-energy radiation at the tumor, as well as the surrounding tissue. This is the most common mesothelioma-specific radiotherapy. Some doctors' mesothelioma treatment teams employ an even more precise technique referred to as Intensity Modulated Radiation Treatment, or IMRT. With this method, doctors can alter the direction and angle of radiation from time to time so that healthy tissues aren't exposed to high doses of radiation.
Patients with mesothelioma could be qualified for a clinical trial of a new mesothelioma treatment option in the event of their unique circumstances. These trials are intended for finding out if a treatment method is safe, effective and may be superior to the standard treatment.
Patients who are undergoing treatment for mesothelioma will undergo a variety of diagnostic tests. These include CT scans, as well as ultrasounds or X-rays. These tests can aid mesothelioma patients as well as their family members understand the health status of a patient and mesothelioma's progression. It is crucial to communicate as freely as you can with your physician in mesothelioma so that they can aid you in understanding the test results and their implications for your treatment.