As with all forms of radiation therapy, the external beam variety is intended to kill mesothelioma cancer cells and to stop them from multiplying. Dosages of radiation involved in this type of treatment are fairly high and can reach areas of the body other than the tumor. Therefore, healthy cells are also sometimes affected.
Generally, external beam mesothelioma radiation is administered five times per week for anywhere from one or two to several weeks. The
recommended dosage and length of therapy will depend on a number of factors including the type of cancer, its location, its size, the general overall health of the patient, and which other treatments mesothelioma are being used at the same time. Most sessions last anyone from 10 to 30 minutes, rarely longer.
During treatment, the patient is asked to lie flat on a table and certain parts of the body that should not be exposed to the radiation may be covered with shields that deflect the beams. During the treatment, the technician will be in another room controlling the radiation machine but will be able to talk to the patient through an intercom system. The patient should expect to hear clicking, whirring, and other noises, which are completely normal and are merely indicators that the machine is working properly. If there is any concern, the patient can speak to the technician via the intercom and voice their concerns.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is an internal radiation source which is implanted within the patient but has yet to show efficacy in mesothelioma management.
Mesothelioma Brachytherapy - also known as internal radiation therapy - is a targeted form of treatment that delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor. Greek for “short distance” therapy, this variety of radiation therapy has not been around as long as the external beam type but has shown great promise in the treatment of a number of different kinds of cancer, including mesothelioma.
The process of delivering radiation via brachytherapy involves the implantation of tiny radioactive seeds or rods in or near the tumor. This method allows highly-concentrated doses to reach the area of most concern, and because delivery is so precise, fewer healthy cells are affected during the treatment process.
There are two types of brachytherapy offered - temporary and permanent. The former involves the implantation of seeds for a pre-designated short period of time after which they will be removed. Conversely, permanent brachytherapy means mesothelioma the seeds are never removed though they will eventually stop emitting radioactivity, usually within 3 to 12 months of implantation, depending on the dosage and type of radioactive material used in the treatment
No comments:
Post a Comment