Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery, or on its own to treat symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pain or swelling on the chest wall. Radiotherapy is also used to prevent tumour spreading, or nodules of tumour growing, at the biopsy wound sites.

High energy rays are aimed at the tumour to prevent its cells from growing and dividing. The treatments take only a few minutes each. Side effects of radiotherapy include tiredness, appetite loss, and other symptoms.