Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, has proven to be a vitally important method of lung cancer treatment. Radiotherapy may be used as a primary treatment, prior to lung cancer surgery (to shrink a tumor), after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, or to treat lung cancer that has invaded the brain.

What is Radiation Therapy?

During radiation therapy, high doses of radiation (x-rays) are directed onto the cancerous part(s) of the body in hopes of shrinking tumors and destroying cancerous cells. Usually, radiation therapy is administered in a series of radiation treatment sessions spread out over about six weeks. Some researchers believe that giving high doses of radiotherapy in a short amount of time lessens damage to the patient's body and causes fewer side effects than longer, spread-out lung cancer treatment sessions.

Types of Radiation Therapy

Types of radiation therapy include external beam therapy, conformal radiation therapy, CT scanning, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Your physician will work with you to select the lung cancer treatment method that is best suited for your needs and your particular case.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Side effects of radiation therapy treatment include headaches, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, hair loss, memory loss, and skin problems.

Locate a Lung Cancer Attorney in Your Area

If you or someone you love has developed lung cancer and is currently undergoing treatment, it is important for to speak with a lung cancer attorney to learn about potential legal settlements. Use our legal directory to locate a lung cancer lawyer in your state.