Radiotherapy for mesothelioma

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells.

You might have radiotherapy after surgery for pleural mesothelioma. Or you might have radiotherapy to reduce the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma if you can’t have surgery. 

You don't usually have radiotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma because 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

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