Radiation Treatment for Myeloma

Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is typified by uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells (a form of white blood cells). As a result, your immunity system loses its capacity to ward off various diseases, hence making you easily susceptible to numerous infections and diseases. Despite no complete cure, treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, surgery are used to restrict the multiplication of cells.

Radiaton Treatment

• Radiation therapy involves subjecting the malignant cells to high energy beams in order to destroy them and thus prevent their metastasis.

Types

• Radiation sessions for myeloma are held either by using an external light source, or by placing radioactive seeds close to the cancerous cells. The former procedure is called external beam radiation, while the latter is called brachytherapy.

Time Frame

• Radiation sessions are generally held 3 to 4 times a week for close to a month. However, the duration may differ depending on the staging of the myeloma, and also on the internal spreading of the cancerous cells.

Side Effects

• Damage to the nearby red blood cells is a common side effect of radiation therapy when used to treat myeloma. Other complications include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and skin irritations.

Warnings

• You may be advised by doctors to reduce exposure towards sun radiations and environmental pollutants while undergoing radiation sessions.