Types of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a therapy commonly used in the treatment of cancer. Nearly every cancer patient is eligible for radiation therapy because of its relatively few side effects and non-invasive nature. Among radiation therapies, there are generally considered to be two methods. These are internal and external radiation therapy. Each of these has a specific purpose and their use is dictated by the nature of each specific case's circumstances. Among mesothelioma patients, both of these varieties have been used.
External radiation therapy is the more traditional and widely used variety of radiation therapy. Most cancer patients will have a cancerous growth in a commonly affected area, such as the lung. For these areas, it is very likely the physician or cancer specialist will recommend the use of external radiation therapy. External radiation therapy can be conducted on an outpatient basis and is a relatively simple idea. Using previously recorded images from a magnetic resonance image or computer topography scan, the radiologist will locate the area that is targeted for radiation therapy. The physician will then focus a beam of high dose radiation on the area, while protecting surrounding areas with a lead sheet or garment.
Internal radiation therapy is far less commonly used and is only utilized in patients whose cancer is growing in an unusual or area in which external access would be troublesome. Also known as brachytherapy, this treatment utilizes implants of radiation into the body to spot treat areas difficult areas. Often used in cases of cervix, breast, or prostate cancer, this therapy has been extremely effective in eliminating or slowing cancer growth. The most common implant used for internal radiation is Iodine 125. The agent will likely be injected in some variety directly into the cancer tissue in attempt to kill the cancer from within. Because of the invasive nature of this therapy, patients will likely be admitted into a hospital.
The doctors will sit down with the patient and family and decide what treatment regimen is best for the patient. If radiation is recommended a radiologist will likely make an assessment of the patient's individual circumstances and decided which type of radiation treatment should be utilized.
