Radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. A beam of radiation is aimed at the cancerous cells, which shrinks the tumour or kills it completely. It's rather like having an X-ray, but it may have to be repeated over a few days. Side effects can include tiredness, voice changes or a sore throat. Radiotherapy is sometimes given along with chemotherapy. Lung cancer can also spread to your brain and radiotherapy is sometimes used to treat this or to reduce the chance of cancer developing in the brain. This is called prophylactic radiotherapy.
Attribution: BUPA
See also:
- Lung cancer
- Treatment options for lung cancer
- Surgery for lung cancer
- Chemotherapy for lung cancer
- Palliative care for lung cancer
- Prevention of lung cancer