Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Here are key points about it:
- Types of Radiation Therapy
- External Beam Radiation: The most common form, where beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body, targeting areas like the whole breast, lymph nodes, or other affected areas.
- Show Full Answer
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Here are key points about it:
- Types of Radiation Therapy:
- External Beam Radiation: The most common form, where beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body, targeting areas like the whole breast, lymph nodes, or other affected areas.
- Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Involves implanting a small catheter or device near the surgical site, through which small radioactive pellets are introduced.
- Purpose:
- Helps prevent the return or spread of cancer.
- Often used after surgery, especially lumpectomy.
- Can shrink tumors, slow or prevent the spread of tumors, and help treat pain if surgery isn't an option.
- Procedure:
- Usually delivered five days a week for up to seven weeks.
- Accelerated breast irradiation can be given twice daily for one to three weeks.
- During the first appointment, an x-ray called a port film is taken to establish the best position for treatment, and small marks are tattooed on the skin to guide the beam.
- Additional Treatments:
- Hyperthermia (Thermotherapy): Heating the cancer tissue to make it more susceptible to radiation. This is still being researched and not widely available.
- Side Effects:
- Gradual skin changes in the treated area over several treatments.
- Timing:
- Usually starts a few weeks after surgery to allow for healing.
- If chemotherapy is planned, radiation therapy typically follows chemotherapy.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MyBCTeam.
November 7, 2024
Continue with Facebook
Sign up with your email
