RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY

Principles of Radiotherapy & Oncology

Compare the Management and Treatment Options for Patients who are diagnosed with Either Small Cell or Non Small Cell lung Cancer

Introduction3

The Specific Characteristics of Malignant Lung Disease4

The Management Options and the Factors Affecting Choice of Treatment, For SCLC and NSCLC5

Treatment for SCLC5

Treatment of NSCLC6

The Appropriate Radiotherapy Technique in Relation to the Histological Type, Stage of Disease and Anatomical Position of the Tumour9

The Side Effects Which Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy May Encounter and Suggest Advice and Medication Which May Be Offered10

Inflammation in the lung11

Fatigue11

Inflammation of oesophagus11

Tightening or Narrowing of Oesophagus12

Scarring of Lung Tissue12

Inflammation around your heart in the layer of tissue12

Treatment for Radiation Side Effects12

The Factors Which Influence Dose and Fractionation for the Treatment of Lung Cancer13

Conclusion14

References15

Abstract

This research is based on the study of lung cancer, its types and different effective ways of its treatment. This research will also focus on the resulting side effects of cancer treatment including radiotherapy and suitable ways to cope up with those side effects and problems.

Principles of Radiotherapy & Oncology

Introduction

Lung cancer is not only observed to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer all around the world but it is also considered as the leading cause of cancer-related death. In Europe, the average duration for lung cancer survival is five years. In order to reduce the symptoms of cancer and control the disease, a palliative therapy regime is necessarily required with the aim of improving the quality of life of patient suffering from lung cancer. There are many other interventional strategies that can be implemented to enhance the quality of life of a lung cancer patient. Chemotherapy is also one of the well-known and effective treatments of lung cancer. A locoregional tumor progression is actually based on the malignant pleural effusion or pericardial effusion, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, central airway obstruction, severe haemoptysis, superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome or threatening life and necessitating urgent palliation. Insertion of an indwelling catheter, serial thoracocentesis or pleurodesis can be used to manage the recurrent pleural effusion that causes dyspnoea. An urgent pericardiocentesis is often required by symptomatic malignant pericardial effusion (Sundstrom, Bremnes, Aasebo, et. al.2004, pp.801-810).

Additionally, in refractory pericardial effusion instillation of sclerosing agents, surgical procedures or local chemotherapy must be focused. In order to avoid the recurrence of airway obstruction, the insertion of a palliative or stent brachytherapy offer re-establishment of the patency of obstructed airways. Arterial embolization or palliative thoracic radiotherapy and bronchoscopic interventions have the potential to manage haemoptysis (D'Addario, Pintilie, Leighl, et al. 2005).

Discussion

The Specific Characteristics of Malignant Lung Disease

Malignant neoformation of the lung refers to the bronchial or lung cancer. Similar to all other forms of cancer, lung cancer is also developed with the unregulated and uncontrollable growth of diseased cells and tissues. Cancer cells also get entered in other organs via the lymphatic system and the blood stream where they can mutate into so called metastases. For the development of cancer, the main cause is smoking and it is a fact that 90% of the patients of lung cancer are ...