The pros and cons of radiotherapy for lung cancer

The main benefits of radiotherapy for lung cancer include controlling tumor growth, non-invasive treatment, and auxiliary enhancement of surgical effects. The disadvantages include side effects, damage to healthy tissue, and long-term complications.

1. Profit

1. Control tumor growth

Radiation therapy can help relieve the disease by killing or inhibiting the growth of lung cancer cells.

2. Non-invasive treatment

Compared with surgery, radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment method that reduces the risks associated with surgery.

3. Assist in enhancing surgical effects

In some cases, radiation therapy can be given before surgery to make it easier to perform. It can also be done after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells.

2. Disadvantages

1. Have side effects

Radiotherapy may cause a series of side effects, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, skin reactions, difficulty breathing, etc.

2. Damage to healthy tissue

Radiation therapy not only irradiates the tumor tissue, but also affects surrounding healthy tissue.

3. Long-term complications

Radiation therapy may cause some long-term complications, such as pulmonary fibrosis, heart disease, and tracheal stenosis.