Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment
Surgery may not be the only possible treatment for
breast cancer. It is usually the treatment of choice to assure all
cancer cells are removed, but it isn’t the only method. Radiation
is another form of therapy and is often used before surgery to help
shrink the tumor before it is removed. It also may be used after
the surgeries to be sure all breast cancer cells are destroyed
around the tumor.
|
If a woman chooses to have a breast-saving
surgery, radiation will normally be part of the follow-up.
This will depend on the size of the tumor and if the disease
has spread.
Two different kinds of radiation therapy are
used for breast cancer patients. External radiation will
usually be five days a week for several weeks, and will
involve traveling to a clinic or hospital for treatment.
Internal radiation therapy is therapy that injects
radioactive material transplanted into the breast. These
implants will stay for several days. This radiation therapy
means the woman will need to stay in the hospital during
treatment, and the implants will be removed before they go
home.
Radiation therapy side effects will depend on
the dosage of radiation you receive and part of the body
receives the treatment. |
|
Your skin may become tender, red, and itchy
and your breast may feel heavy and tight. Radiation may
cause your skin to be raw and fluid leakage can occur.
Exposing your skin to air will help reduce this complication. Radiation will affect your body. Depending on
the radiation dosage, you may feel tired or fatigued especially
during the latter stages of treatment. It is important that you
remain active during this time, but give your body the rest it
also needs for recovery.
Loose, soft, cotton clothing can be worn
during this time to avoid extra irritation to the skin.
You may choose to wear a different bra, or remain without one
during radiation therapy.
|
Lotions and deodorants may be
used, but you should check with your doctor before using
them on the affected area. Once treatment is over, these
sore and irritated sites will heal. There may be a lasting
color change on your skin where the radiation was given.
Side effects of radiation may be helped with
your doctor’s help. They can advise you on how to take care
of treated skin, what to expect before, during, and after
radiation therapy, and what are any long-term effects.
You may also want to question your doctor on
the permanent effects of radiation, the chances of your
cancer returning, and how often you will need to have
checkups. Many of these questions you will want to answer
before radiation therapy begins, so you will know what to
expect. |
|
Problems associated with radiation therapy will
disappear after therapy is over. Eventually your skin will heal
and no longer be red and itchy. Your skin will need special
care while undergoing radiation therapy. Learn all you can
about radiation and its effects on the body before you start the
treatment.
|
