In the process of tumor treatment, radiotherapy is a common and important treatment method, bringing hope of cure to many patients. However, while attacking cancer cells, radiotherapy may also cause a series of adverse reactions. Many patients are worried about these side effects when receiving radiotherapy, so understanding the basic knowledge related to radiotherapy is crucial for cancer patients and their families.
After undergoing radiotherapy for lung cancer, Mr. Fu, 69 years old, developed symptoms such as swollen feet and lower back pain. Due to his deep concern about his condition, he made a special trip to Hainan Cancer Hospital to seek help from Professor Yang Nong, a renowned domestic expert in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment and a specially appointed expert at the hospital.
Professor Yang Nong patiently explained to Mr. Fu: "It is recommended to first check for thrombus conditions, and then investigate whether the draining lymph nodes are swollen. If it is caused by lymph node enlargement, then the foot swelling and lower back pain may be adverse reactions after radiotherapy." He further analyzed, "These symptoms may be caused by the disease itself, complications during treatment, or even edema caused by a combination of both factors."
Facing the adverse reactions that occur during lung cancer radiotherapy and treatment, patients and their families inevitably have many questions. In this issue, Professor Yang Nong provides detailed answers to some of the questions that everyone is concerned about.
Q: What kind of treatment is radiotherapy?
A: Professor Yang Nong, radiotherapy is a treatment method that focuses high-energy radiation onto the tumor area in the human body, destroying the genetic material DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of tumor cells, rendering them unable to proliferate further, and thereby killing tumor cells. It is often hailed as an "invisible scalpel". The goal of radiotherapy is to maximize the killing of tumor cells while effectively protecting the normal tissues and organs surrounding the tumor.
Q: What are the side effects of radiotherapy?
A: Professor Yang Nong: During the process of radiotherapy "fighting" tumor cells in the body, it may also inadvertently damage some normal cells surrounding the tumor, which may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, and skin itching. However, the occurrence of these side effects is related to the location of the lesion and the radiation dose. Overall, the purpose of radiotherapy is to control disease progression and further extend the patients survival time.
Q: What should be done if a patient experiences difficulty swallowing after undergoing radiotherapy?
A: Professor Yang Nong, some patients have undergone radiotherapy targeting the mediastinum, which can affect the esophagus. Therefore, these patients may experience discomfort when swallowing.
For this discomfort during swallowing, we can advise patients to consume semi-liquid or liquid diet throughout the process. If the difficulty in swallowing worsens, we may consider placing a feeding tube in the patient, allowing food to bypass the esophagus and enter the body directly through the tube, until the toxic side effects of radiotherapy improve, or until the radiotherapy is completed, at which point the feeding tube can be removed.
Expert Introduction/Consultation Information
[Expert Introduction]
Yang Nong
Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Long-term employed experts of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second Peoples Hospital of Hunan Province, leader of the oncology department, and head of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic". He is also the chief expert of the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project, a member of the Lung Cancer Special Committee of the National Tumor Quality Control Center, the director of the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer, and the director of the Hunan Provincial Respiratory Tumor Clinical Medical Research Center. He has been dedicated to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as to challenging recurrent and drug-resistant clinical cases, scientific research, and teaching for nearly 30 years.
He has been honored with the title of "Outstanding Model of National Famous Doctors" in the 6th session, and has been recommended as "Annual Excellent Doctor" by patients for 8 consecutive years, as well as being awarded the title of "First Brain Doctor and Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines, won the third prize of Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Award, garnered over 500,000 fans across the internet, and achieved over 120 million views in anti-cancer science popularization.
Medical expertise
Specialties: Precision treatment of lung cancer, breakthrough in refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases with brain metastasis; individualized and precise treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of pan-solid tumors; clinical trials of the latest immunotherapy/targeted therapy drugs.
With nearly 30 years of experience in precision immunotherapy for lung cancer, I have led nearly 400 phase I-III clinical trials of new anticancer drugs (including national Class 1 new drugs), and am particularly skilled in treating complex cases such as refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant conditions, as well as brain metastases.
·Early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer, with over 2,000 cases diagnosed annually (over 10,000 cases accumulated from 2019 to 2024), and a detection rate of over 90% (retrospective study in 2023).
·He is also proficient in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of multiple cancer types, individualized treatment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, covering a wide range of solid tumors (such as stomach, intestine, brain, etc.).
Professor Yang Nong has treated over 14,000 patients annually (data from 2023).
·Managed the "Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Patient Group", with long-term follow-up and management of over 4,000 lung cancer patients who have achieved long-term survival, accumulating rich clinical experience.
[Visit information]
01 【Clinic Hours and Location】
August 31th, 8:00-12:00
Sixth Consultation Area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
02 【Appointment registration】
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
03 [Health Consultation]
13876807106
04 [Friendly Reminder]
To facilitate the experts in understanding the condition as soon as possible, please bring:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
2. Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
3. Arrange the relevant examinations you have undergone in chronological order
4. Paper medical records of previous visits
5. Surgical case biopsy: wax block or 20-30 white slides
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Inpatient medical records and notes
8. Recent relevant examinations
9. The patients current treatment plan
10. The most pressing questions I want to inquire about