Radiation Therapy Treatment of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL)
II. Radiation Therapy
Using radiotherapy to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease, and on the overall health status of the individual. Radiotherapy employs high-energy, ionizing radiation to eliminate malignant cells. It can, however, prevent normal growth and development in children.
a) Total Nodal Irradiation
Total nodal irradiation, also known as Total Lymphoid Irradiation (TLI), involves irradiating the lymphatic tissues in the entire body. This method of treatment is applicable for patients with widespread, late-stage lymphoma but not for patients who suffer from early-stage, slow-growing lymphomas.
b) Total Body Irradiation (TBI)
Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is often carried out on patients to prepare them for high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation. This radiation allows new transplanted cells to grow by killing the old malignant ones. The radiation therapy also helps to prevent the rejection of the grafted stem cells
Side Effects of Radiotherapy includes the following-
- Dryness of mouth
- Inflammation of throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Inflammation of the abdominal cavity lining (peritoneum)
- Reduction of blood cells
- Obstruction of the small bowel
- Edema
- Darkening of skin
- Skin Irritation
- Inflammation of the heart covering (pericardium)
- Lung Inflammation
- Spinal cord inflammation
- Thyroid abnormalities
- Loss of appetite
