Lung cancer radiotherapy uses targeted radiation to treat cancer in the lung or chest. It may be used as a main treatment, after other treatment, with chemotherapy, or to relieve symptoms.
Because the lungs move when you breathe, planning is important. Your team may use special scans or breathing instructions to account for movement.
01 · Understand the examination
About this scan
Common Indications for Lung Cancer Radiotherapy
Your doctor may recommend it for:
- Early lung cancer when surgery is not suitable.
- Locally advanced lung cancer with chemotherapy.
- Cancer causing chest pain, cough, or bleeding.
- Cancer pressing on airways or blood vessels.
- Cancer spread to brain, bone, or adrenal gland in selected cases.
- Treatment after surgery in selected higher-risk cases.
Do I need to stop taking medication?
Usually no. Bring your inhalers and keep taking prescribed medicines unless your doctor says otherwise.
What happens when I arrive?
The radiographers position you on the couch, often with your arms above your head. They may take setup images before treatment.
Is there any discomfort?
The treatment itself is painless. The position may be uncomfortable if you are short of breath, coughing, or have shoulder pain.
Are there risks?
Side effects may include tiredness, cough, skin soreness, swallowing pain, breathlessness, or inflammation in the lung. Tell your team if breathing becomes worse.
02 · Plan ahead
Before your appointment
What exactly does lung radiotherapy treat?
It treats the planned cancer area in the lung, chest, lymph nodes, or symptom-causing site. The plan tries to limit dose to healthy lung, heart, spinal cord, and oesophagus.
How should I prepare?
You will need a planning scan. Tell the team if you cannot lie flat, cough a lot, use oxygen, or get breathless easily.
How is the treatment performed?
The machine sends radiation from outside the body. You breathe normally unless your team gives a special breathing instruction.
03 · On the day
During the scan
How long does lung radiotherapy take?
Each session may take about 10 to 30 minutes. SBRT or more complex treatments may take longer.
04 · Important exceptions
Safety and special situations
Can I have this treatment if I am pregnant?
05 · Know the red flags
When to seek urgent help
When should I seek urgent help?
Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up more than a small streak of blood, fainting, or blue lips. Contact the team promptly for fever, a new or worsening cough, difficulty swallowing, or breathlessness that is increasing after treatment.
06 · Learn more
Sources and summary
Sources and further reading
Conclusion
Lung radiotherapy is planned around the tumour, the lungs, and your breathing. Bring your inhalers, speak up if lying flat is hard, and report worsening breathlessness quickly.