Radiotherapy with No Cancer

[bgillham]

My 85 year old Nan-in-law has had a scan on her back and has been told she has lesions, the Dr said she could have a course of radiotherapy and would be fine but made no mention of cancer. Is this possible or is she just mistaken ? Thank you x

[bednobs]

unlikely she would be having radiotherapy for anything but cancer - doctors might often use the word lesion as a euphemism for cancer. If she wants to know, she should ask her consultant

[Schutzengel]

Do you think that perhaps in view of your nan-in law's age, the Dr felt it better not to alarm her, particularly if he feels that the treatment (which is not painful) would be successful. Just a thought. Hope she recovers well.

[bgillham]

Thanks for your answers ... I dont think a Dr or Consultant would not say the C word.... just dumb dont you think !?!?! I really dont think she has it in her to lie to us as she really has her wits about her and knows we would read things on the internet ! Thank you xx

[chattykathy]

You can have radiotherapy without having cancer. My sister had a benign tumour behind her ear that kept growing back after surgery so the last time they removed it she had a course of radiotherapy to 'zap' any remaining cells. She lost some hair near the site which has since grown back but the tumour hasn't.
I'm no medic but I don't think doctors withold that kind of information anymore. Hope this helps - and good luck to nan!