Laser Radiation Treatment for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is typified by unrestrained multiplication of cells lining the lungs. The National Cancer Institute reports that nearly 220,000 individuals are diagnosed with this condition annually in the United States. Despite no complete cure, treatments like laser radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are commonly used to control the metastasis of the cancer cells.

Laser Radiation Therapy

• Laser radiation therapy involves irradiating the malignant cells with high energy laser beams in order to damage the cancer cells and thus avert their subsequent spreading.

Time Frame

• As per the NCI, radiation sessions are generally held twice a week for close to two months. However, the duration may differ depending upon the stage of lung cancer, and the internal metastasis of the cancerous cells.

Benefits

• Laser radiation is a minimally invasive treatment form. It is especially beneficial to elder lung cancer patients and to those who are unable to undergo surgical removal of the cancerous cells because of heart ailments and other chronic medical conditions.

Effects

• Difficulty in breathing and inflammation of the lungs are some of the side effects of laser radiation therapy when used to treat lung cancer. Other common complications include tiredness, nausea and vomiting.

Warning

• You may be advised by your doctor to reduce exposure towards pollutants of the environment and sun rays while laser radiation sessions are being held.