Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancerous cells and reduce tumors. Radiation may be administered by a machine (external beam radiation therapy or EBRT) or by putting radioactive materials in to the body during surgery or via thin tubes to the cancererous area (internal radiation therapy).
As well as radiation destroying cancerous cells they can also alleviate symptoms such as pain or trouble breathing. Post-surgical radiotherapy is also used to help minimize mesothelioma reappearance.
Computed tomography (CT) and PET scans identify exact areas so that maximum doses can be delivered. Doses may be reduced if tumours are small and/or near vital organs. Radiation treatment has been significantly improved by the recent
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).
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