Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Types of Radiation Therapy
1. External Beam Radiation:
- Most common form.
- Beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body.
- Targets locations such as the whole breast, lymph nodes, or other Show Full Answer

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Types of Radiation Therapy:
1. External Beam Radiation:
- Most common form.
- Beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body.
- Targets locations such as the whole breast, lymph nodes, or other affected areas.

2. Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy):
- Direct and localized.
- Involves implanting a small catheter or device near the surgical site.
- Radioactive pellets are introduced via the catheter or device.
- May require less time than external beam therapy.

Treatment Process:
- External Beam Radiation:
- Delivered five days a week for up to seven weeks.
- Accelerated breast irradiation can be twice daily for one to three weeks.
- Involves positioning and marking the skin for accurate targeting.
- Patients need to lie still during treatment.

- Internal Radiation:
- May involve surgically placing a device in the breast.
- Treatment can be twice a day for as little as five days.
- Implants are attached to a computer-controlled machine for precise delivery.

Additional Treatments:
- Hyperthermia (Thermotherapy):
- Involves heating cancer tissue to make cells more susceptible to radiation.
- Still under research and not widely available.

Follow-Up:
- Regular follow-up appointments every three to six months initially.
- After five years, typically reduced to annual appointments.

Goals and Benefits:
- Helps prevent the return or spread of cancer.
- Kills cancer cells, shrinks tumors, and destroys remaining cells post-surgery.
- Can be used at almost any stage of breast cancer.

Side Effects:
- Gradual skin changes in the treated area.
- Important to report any symptoms or side effects to the doctor.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MyBCTeam.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyBCTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer | MyBCTeam

Radiation for Breast Cancer: Types and What To Expect | MyBCTeam