Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the body’s internal organs, including the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Mesothelioma of the throat, also known as laryngeal mesothelioma, is a relatively uncommon form of the disease, accounting for less than 1% of all cases. Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for mesothelioma of the throat, but it can have several side effects. In this answer, we will explore the side effects of radiation therapy for mesothelioma of the throat, including short-term and long-term effects.
Short-term effects of radiation therapy for mesothelioma of the throat:
Fatigue: Radiation therapy can make you feel tired and exhausted. This is because the treatment affects the healthy cells in your body in addition to the cancer cells. The fatigue can be mild or severe, and it usually goes away a few weeks after the treatment is complete.
Skin irritation: Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation and redness in the area being treated. The skin may become dry, itchy, and sensitive to the touch. In some cases, the skin may blister or peel. Your doctor may recommend creams or ointments to soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Swelling: Radiation therapy can cause swelling in the area being treated. This is because the treatment can affect the lymph nodes and cause them to swell. Swelling can also occur in the throat and neck area, making it difficult to swallow.
Difficulty swallowing: Radiation therapy can cause difficulty swallowing, especially if the treatment is being administered to the throat area. You may experience pain and discomfort while swallowing, and you may need to modify your diet to avoid choking or aspiration.
Nausea and vomiting: Radiation therapy can cause nausea and vomiting, especially if the treatment is being administered to the abdomen area. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce these symptoms.
Hair loss: Radiation therapy can cause hair loss in the area being treated. This can be temporary or permanent, depending on the dose and duration of the treatment.
Long-term effects of radiation therapy for mesothelioma of the throat:
Radiation fibrosis: Radiation therapy can cause scarring and stiffening of the tissues in the area being treated. This is known as radiation fibrosis. The scarring can cause long-term problems with swallowing, breathing, and speaking.
Radiation pneumonitis: Radiation therapy can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs, known as radiation pneumonitis. This can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to lung damage and respiratory failure.
Cardiovascular disease: Radiation therapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. This is because the treatment can damage the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the heart and brain.
Secondary cancers: Radiation therapy can increase the risk of developing a new cancer in the area being treated or other parts of the body. This is because the treatment can damage the DNA in the cells and increase the risk of mutations.
Hormonal imbalances: Radiation therapy can affect the function of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions. This can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to long-term health problems, such as infertility, thyroid disorders, and diabetes.
Overall, radiation therapy can be an effective treatment option for mesothelioma of the throat, but it can have several side effects, both short-term and long-term. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of radiation therapy with your doctor to make an informed decision about your treatment options. Your doctor can also provide you with information on how to manage the side effects of radiation therapy and improve your quality of life during and after treatment.
