Xenon gas mixture is a breathable gas used as a contrast agent during special CT scans to help doctors see how well your lungs are working. In this study, you will breathe in a mixture that contains 30% xenon gas combined with 70% oxygen. This gas mixture is safe to breathe and helps create detailed images that show which parts of your lungs are ventilating properly. The images help doctors understand how radiation therapy affects your lung tissue.

Radiation Pneumonitis – Radiation pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs that occurs as a side effect of radiation therapy to the chest area. This condition typically develops within weeks to months after receiving radiation treatment for cancers such as lung or breast cancer. The lung tissue becomes inflamed and swollen in the areas that were exposed to radiation. Patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and chest discomfort. The condition can affect the normal functioning of the lungs and reduce their ability to exchange oxygen efficiently. In some cases, the inflammation may resolve on its own, while in others it can progress to more persistent changes in the lung tissue.

Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis – Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff following radiation therapy to the chest. This typically develops months to years after the completion of radiation treatment. The radiation causes permanent damage to the lung tissue, leading to the formation of fibrous scar tissue that replaces normal, healthy lung tissue. As the fibrosis progresses, the lungs lose their elasticity and ability to expand properly during breathing. This results in reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activity. The scarring process is generally irreversible and represents a chronic change in the lung structure.

Lung Cancer – Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs, forming tumors that interfere with normal lung function. These cancerous cells typically start in the lining of the airways or in the air sacs of the lungs. As the cancer grows, it can block airways, cause fluid buildup, and prevent the lungs from working properly. The disease may remain confined to the lungs initially but has the potential to spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Common symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. Lung cancer can develop over many years, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

Breast Cancer – Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast tissue begin to grow abnormally and form a tumor. The cancer typically starts in the milk ducts or the glands that produce milk, but can also begin in other breast tissues. As the abnormal cells multiply, they form a lump or mass that can be felt during examination or seen on imaging tests. The cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and may spread to lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone. If left unchecked, the cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. The growth rate and behavior of breast cancer varies widely depending on the specific type and characteristics of the cancer cells.