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Treatment for mesothelioma

Radiotherapy for mesothelioma

You might have radiotherapy for pleural mesothelioma after surgery or to control symptoms. You don't usually have it for peritoneal mesothelioma as it causes too many side effects.

Planning radiotherapy for pleural mesothelioma

The radiotherapy team plan your external beam radiotherapy before you start treatment. This means working out the dose of radiotherapy you need and exactly where you need it.

Radiotherapy treatment for pleural mesothelioma

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. The type and length of your radiotherapy treatment depends on your situation. Before your first treatment, your therapy radiographers will tell you what to expect.

Side effects of radiotherapy for pleural mesothelioma

You might have side effects if you have a few weeks of radiotherapy after surgery for pleural mesothelioma. The most common side effects are reddening of the skin and loss of hair in the treatment area.

Last reviewed: 23 Jun 2023

Next review due: 23 Jun 2026

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