If someone isdiagnosed with breast cancer, radiation therapy is likely to be part of their treatment plan.
Radiation therapy consists of high beams of energy directed at cancer cells to kill them.
Side effects of radiation can include skin changes and feeling tired.
Mark Kostich / Getty Images
Mark Kostich / Getty Images
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a commonly used therapy for many types of cancer.
For breast cancer,radiationis typically used after surgery to help reduce the risk of cancer returning.
During treatment, a dose of ionizing radiation is targeted at the tumor.
It is often given each day, Monday through Friday, for one to six weeks.
Each dose of radiation is referred to as a fraction.
Unfortunately, radiation can also damage healthy cells, leading to side effects.
During EBRT, a machine outside of the body delivers the radiation to the prescribed area of the body.
This generally happens after surgery such as alumpectomy, when the cancerous tumor is removed.
Radiation is given to treat the entire breast to help prevent breast cancer from coming back in that breast.
This throw in of radiation is often given for five to six weeks.
There are multiple ways of giving accelerated breast irradiation.
It is usually given once a day for a total of five days.
Another method of accelerated radiation is the use ofbrachytherapy.
During this procedure, a balloon is placed into the cavity left behind after the lumpectomy.
The balloon is filled with liquid and left in the breast for a few days.
Twice a day for five days, radioactive seeds are placed into the balloon and removed.
The balloon is removed after treatment is over.
An example of this is system is called MammoSite.
The newer ways to administer radiation provide more precise treatment.
This has allowed using higher doses of radiation while sparing healthy tissues.
Common Short-Term Side Effects
Short-term side effects may be experienced with radiation therapy.
Side Effects
Any time radiation is given, there is a risk for developing side effects.
Because radiation doesnt only affect cancer cells, the DNA in healthy cells can be damaged.
The most common side effects that occur for radiation to the breast include:
Whos at Risk?
Anyone who receives breast radiation will be at risk for developing any of the above side effects.
There is potential for radiation to injure skin cells in the targeted area.
Feeling tired, especially as treatment continues, can happen to anyone getting radiation.
Rare Short-Term Side Effects
It is possible that less common side effects could occur with radiation therapy.
Pneumonitis can happen to anyone getting radiation to the breast, as the lungs sit behind the breast tissue.
The risk for pericarditis is highest for those treated with radiation to the left breast.
The risk of esophagitis exists for anyone getting radiation to the breast.
If anyone receives radiation to the lymph nodes, they are at risk for lymphedema.
All who receive radiation to the breast are at risk for fibrosis.
Its important to weigh the risks of radiation with the benefit of treatment.
Radiation is given with the intent of treating breast cancer.
Not treating it may have the risk of it coming back or spreading to other areas of the body.
They can review with you how likely it will be for radiation to cause short-term or long-term side effects.
They can help you determine the best way to treat whatever side effect youre experiencing.
Ask what symptoms may indicate long-term or rare side effects.
Summary
Radiation is commonly used as part of the treatment plan for breast cancer.
Radiation therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells and can also damage healthy cells.
Short-term side effects can include skin irritation, swelling, and fatigue.
Long-term side effects can include fibrotic changes to the breast, heart and lung damage, and lymphedema.
A Word From Verywell
Radiation is an important part of breast cancer treatment.
Before starting treatment, talk with your radiation oncologist about any concerns you have.
Be proactive in preventing and managing side effects so you have a successful treatment with minimal side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short-term side effects from radiation generally last two to four weeks before resolving.
Long-term effects that occur from radiation can last indefinitely.
The worst side effect of radiation may be different for each person.
It can depend on how severe the side effects are.
Some side effects, if severe, can potentially cause permanent problems with heart and lung function.
Radiation can kill breast cancer.
Radiation causes damage to the DNA inside cancer cell, which causes it to die.
The damage to the DNA also prevents the cells from replicating and making more copies of themselves.
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