How can radiation shrink a tumor that is blocking drainage in the lung?

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linear accelerator; external beam radiation therapy — radiation therapy External beam radiation therapy (also known as external beam teletherapy, or long-distance therapy) being delivered using a machine known as a linear accelerator.

Radiation therapy shrinks tumors by utilizing ionizing radiation—such as X-rays or particle beams—to transmit energy into the tumor. This energy interacts with the tissue to produce free radicals and oxidants that damage or break the DNA within the cancer cells, ultimately leading to cell death.1

When a tumor in the lung causes a blockage, radiation therapy can be used to reduce the tumor's size. By shrinking the mass, the treatment relieves pressure on adjacent structures and restores the area's ability to drain properly. This process is vital for improving patient comfort and health, as effective drainage helps prevent infections and reduces the risk of bleeding. Physicians carefully focus these radiation beams from multiple directions to maximize the dose delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.1