The main short-term side effects of external beam radiation therapy to the breast are:
- Swelling in the breast
- Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin)
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the breast.
- Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin)
- Fatigue.
What are the long term effects of radiation treatment?
Brachial plexopathy can happen when radiation damages nerves in the upper chest. It may cause permanent tingling, pain and weakness in the affected hand and arm. Nerve problems are very rare with modern treatment. Radiation therapy and risk of a second cancer In rare cases, radiation therapy to the breast can cause a second cancer.
What are the long term effects of breast radiation?
Dec 16, 2021 · swelling in the breast mild to moderate fatigue changes in skin sensation armpit discomfort Other, less common side effects that external radiation may cause are: arm swelling (lymphedema), particularly in cases where lymph nodes are treated shoulder stiffness chest pain heart problems lung problems Brachytherapy (internal radiation) side effects
How long does it take to recover from radiation treatment?
Mar 12, 2021 · There is a risk of lung injury under the treated breast, which is called radiation pneumonitis. To avoid this, the amount of radiation to the lungs is minimized by using different breast treatment techniques. Symptoms of pneumonitis to report to your provider include shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness, and flu-like symptoms.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Here are some of the most common side effects of radiation therapy to the breast that usually begin and end within a limited period of time. Skin changes Fatigue Swelling and soreness Nausea Long-term side effects Some side effects of radiation therapy to the breast don’t show up until months or years later.
What are the long-term side effects of radiation treatment for breast cancer?
Long-term side effects can include:Breast changes: The breasts may shrink or become more dense after radiation. ... Brachial plexopathy: Radiation to the breast or chest wall can sometimes damage the nerves that run through the arm, wrist, and hand. ... Lymphedema: Lymphedema is swelling of the arm, hand, or chest.Oct 5, 2018
How long does it take to recover from breast radiation treatment?
Skin reactions from radiation therapy are usually strongest 1 or 2 weeks after you finish radiation therapy and then start to heal. It often takes 3 to 4 weeks for skin reactions to heal. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your radiation oncologist or nurse.Jul 19, 2021
How long does breast radiation side effects last?
Most side effects gradually go away in the weeks or months after treatment. But some side effects can continue or might start some months or years later. Most of these side effects are rare. You might get one or two of them.
How does breast radiation affect the body?
Depending on which tissues are exposed, radiation therapy may cause or increase the risk of: Arm swelling (lymphedema) if the lymph nodes under the arm are treated. Damage or complications leading to removal of an implant if you had breast reconstruction with an implant after mastectomy.Mar 6, 2021
Does radiation on left breast affect the heart?
Potential damage to the heart is influenced by the area of the chest where the tumour is located i.e. radiation targeted to the left breast increases the risk of damage to the heart.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.Nov 8, 2021
What is the most common acute side effect of radiation treatment?
Fatigue is the most common acute side effect of radiation therapy. It is believed to be caused by the large amount of energy that is used by the body to heal itself in response to radiation therapy. Most people begin to feel fatigued about 2 weeks after radiation treatments begin.Apr 14, 2022
Does breast radiation weaken your immune system?
Radiation therapy can potentially affect your immune system, especially if a significant amount of bone marrow is being irradiated because of its role in creating white blood cells. However, this doesn't typically suppress the immune system enough to make you more susceptible to infections.Jan 22, 2020
What is the best cream for breast radiation?
Aquaphor® is often recommended to patients for general skin care. (Your health care team will give you a sample and a coupon for Aquaphor). If your skin becomes dry or itches and your doctor approves, apply the product to the treatment areas after radiation. Do not apply the product to the treatment marking lines.
Is radiation worse than chemo?
Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.Mar 27, 2020
Is breast pain normal after radiation?
Pain in the breast or chest area Although these are usually mild, they can continue for months or even years, but they usually become milder and less frequent over time. You may also have stiffness and discomfort around the shoulder and breast or chest area during and after treatment.
When do radiation side effects start?
How Soon Might I Have Side Effects From Radiation Therapy? There are two kinds of radiation side effects: early and late. Early side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, usually don't last long. They may start during or right after treatment and last for several weeks after it ends, but then they get better.Feb 8, 2021
Short Term Side Effects
The following list includes some of the most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer. Remember that the treatment can affect each patient differently and you may not experience these problems. Talk with your care team about what you can expect from your specific treatment.
Long-term Side Effects
The side effects discussed above tend to happen during treatment, up until a few months after treatment. Long-term effects can happen months to many years after cancer treatment and the risks vary depending on the areas included in the field of radiation and the radiation techniques that were used.
What is Breast Cancer?
Cancer is a disease wherein the cells lose regulations in cell division and continuously replicate. This uncontrolled growth and division of cells form a mass which is known as a tumor. Breast cancer occurs when these abnormal cells are found in the breast. The most common cells affected are the lining of the milk ducts.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Changes in how the breasts look and feel are important in identifying breast cancer. These changes could look like this:
Treatment for Breast Cancer
There are many options to treat breast cancer, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. As some forms of breast cancer are very aggressive and invasive, treatment usually consists of combining different treatment options. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.
What is Radiation?
Radiation is energy produced and released from electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles. Radiation therapy works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. It exposes cells to high-energy rays, which can either directly kill the cells or result in genetic changes that can cause cell death.
Why is Radiation Used to Help Treat Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy is an important addition to the treatment of breast cancer. After surgery, it decreases the rate of cancer recurrence, the chance of complications and death, and improves patients' chances of survival. It is also a good treatment option as breast-conserving therapy.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Radiation?
Radiation therapy is beneficial to patients with breast cancer. It is non-invasive and preserves the structure of the breast. However, every treatment has its side effects. Side effects of radiation vary, and some may be immediately evident while others take time to manifest.
How to Manage the Side Effects of Radiation
Despite radiation therapy having side effects, there are ways by which we can alleviate them. Some are simple remedies, while others may need the evaluation and help of a doctor. For breast soreness or pain, common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful.
What are the long term effects of radiation?
Long-term side effects can include: Breast changes: The breasts may shrink or become more dense after radiation. Some women have reported problems breastfeeding. Brachial plexopathy: Radiation to the breast or chest wall can sometimes damage the nerves that run through the arm, wrist, and hand.
How to help with pain after radiation?
Using heating pads and ice packs may help a person cope with pain and soreness following radiation therapy. Wearing loose clothing and applying an unscented moisturizer can help reduce discomfort caused by skin changes. To reduce stress and fight fatigue, a person can also try: meditation.
What is the best treatment for breast cancer?
One common and effective treatment for breast cancer is radiation therapy . However, it does have some side effects. A doctor may recommend radiation therapy in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. There are two main types of radiation treatment: External beam radiation: This involves a doctor applying radiation ...
What is the difference between external beam and internal radiation?
External beam radiation: This involves a doctor applying radiation from an external machine to the breast and surrounding tissue. Internal radiation (brachytherapy): This involves placing a small radioactive pellet into the body for a short period.
What to do if side effects are impacting a person's quality of life?
If side effects are impacting a person’s quality of life, they should speak to a doctor, who may be able to recommend ways to reduce discomfort. Read the article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on October 5, 2018. Breast Cancer. Cancer / Oncology. Radiology / Nuclear Medicine. Women's Health / Gynecology.
Can radiation cause hair loss?
Swelling should reduce within a few weeks of the end of treatment. Hair loss in the armpit or chest: When a doctor applies radiation to the lymph nodes in the armpit and chest, it can cause hair loss in these areas.
Does radiation cause pain in the shoulder area?
Pain: Some people experience mild discomfort or pain around the breast, or stiffness in the shoulder area. Over time, treatments should become less uncomfortable. Skin changes: Skin damage is a common side effect of radiation therapy, and having a good skin care routine is essential during treatment.
What are the side effects of radiation?
These changes occur in the area being treated by the radiation. It’s similar to a sunburn, and can include: soreness. blisters. peeling. redness and itching. darkening of the skin.
What type of radiation is used for breast cancer?
There are two main types of radiation therapy for breast cancer: 1 external beam radiation 2 brachytherapy, or internal radiation
How to prepare for radiation therapy?
Talk with your doctor. Before starting radiation therapy, talk with your doctor about what to expect before, during, and after each therapy session. Ask them about possible side effects, how to reduce your risk of them, and best treatments. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you be prepared. During and after radiation therapy, tell ...
What are the side effects of interstitial brachytherapy?
Side effects can include: redness at the treatment site. breast pain. infection. damage to fatty tissues. collection of fluid in the breast.
What is external beam radiation?
external beam radiation. brachytherapy, or internal radiation. Each type has several subtypes, mainly differing in how the radiation is delivered to the body. Your doctor will discuss the types of radiation and which one (s) are most appropriate for you.
Can radiation therapy be used alone?
Radiation therapy is a common part of breast cancer treatment. It may be used alone, or in conjunction with other therapies. As with any kind of medical procedure, there can be side effects. Side effects can vary, depending on the kind of radiation therapy you have and your individual response to it. Knowing what to expect, and potential side ...
Can left breast cancer cause heart disease?
If there is significant heart exposure because of left breast radiation, in some cases injury to the heart can occur, causing heart conditions or heart disease. This is not as common these days, thanks to greater understanding of this potential link.
How long does radiation side effects last?
Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...
How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?
Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.
How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?
Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.
What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?
The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.
What is the best treatment for radiation?
One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.
What are the side effects of brachytherapy?
If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.
How to take care of your mouth during radiation?
Here are some tips that may help you manage mouth problems: Avoid spicy and rough foods, such as raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts.
What is radiation therapy for breast cancer?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer uses high-energy X-rays, protons or other particles to kill cancer cells. Rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells, are more susceptible to the effects of radiation therapy than are normal cells. The X-rays or particles are painless and invisible.
How to reduce the risk of breast cancer after surgery?
Radiation therapy is an effective way to reduce your risk of breast cancer recurring after surgery. In addition, it is commonly used to ease the symptoms caused by cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer).
What is the most common type of radiation after a lumpectomy?
One of the most common types of radiation therapy after a lumpectomy is external beam radiation of the whole breast (whole-breast irradiation). Radiation to part of the breast. Radiation therapy to part of the breast (partial-breast irradiation) may be an option for some early-stage breast cancers.
What is radiation after a lumpectomy?
Adding radiation after a lumpectomy reduces the risk that cancer will return in the affected breast. Lumpectomy combined with radiation therapy is often referred to as breast conservation therapy. This type of treatment is as effective as having all the breast tissue removed (mastectomy).
What is the best treatment for breast cancer after lumpectomy?
Radiation after lumpectomy. If you're having an operation to remove the breast cancer and leave the remaining breast tissue intact (lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery), your doctor may recommend radiation after your procedure to kill any cancer cells that might remain.
What is the procedure to remove breast cancer?
Internal radiation (brachytherapy). After you have surgery to remove the cancer, your doctor temporarily places a radiation-delivery device in your breast in the area where the cancer once was. A radioactive source is placed into the device for short periods of time over the course of your treatment.
What is the treatment for breast cancer?
Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy. External beam radiation uses high-powered beams of energy to kill cancer cells. Beams of radiation are precisely aimed at the cancer using a machine that moves around your body. Radiation therapy for breast cancer uses high-energy X-rays, protons or other particles to kill cancer cells.
What are the side effects of radiation on breast?
The main short-term side effects of external beam radiation therapy to the breast are: Swelling in the breast. Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin) Fatigue.
How long does radiation therapy last on breast?
Another option is hypofractionated radiation therapy where the radiation is also given to the whole breast, but in larger daily doses (Monday through Friday) using fewer treatments (typically for only 3 to 4 weeks).
How is brachytherapy done for breast cancer?
Intracavitary brachytherapy: This is the most common type of brachytherapy for women with breast cancer. A device is put into the space left from BCS and is left there until treatment is complete. There are several different devices available, most of which require surgical training for proper placement. They all go into the breast as a small catheter (tube). The end of the device inside the breast is then expanded like a balloon so that it stays securely in place for the entire treatment. The other end of the catheter sticks out of the breast. For each treatment, one or more sources of radiation (often pellets) are placed down through the tube and into the device for a short time and then removed. Treatments are typically given twice a day for 5 days as an outpatient. After the last treatment, the device is deflated and removed.
What is intensity modulated radiotherapy?
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): IMRT is like 3D-CRT, but it also changes the strength of some of the beams in certain areas. This gets stronger doses to certain parts of the tumor bed and helps lessen damage to nearby normal body tissues. Brachytherapy: See brachytherapy below.
What is APBI in breast cancer?
In select women, some doctors are using accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) to give larger doses over a shorter time to only one part of the breast compared to the entire breast. Since more research is needed to know if these newer methods will have the same long-term results as standard radiation, not all doctors use them. There are several different types of accelerated partial breast irradiation:
How long does it take for radiation to be done after surgery?
If you will need external radiation therapy after surgery, it is usually not started until your surgery site has healed, which often takes a month or longer . If you are getting chemotherapy as well, radiation treatments are usually delayed until chemotherapy is complete.
How long does it take for breast cancer to go away?
Changes to the breast tissue usually go away in 6 to 12 months, but it can take longer. External beam radiation therapy can also cause side effects later on: Some women may find that radiation therapy causes the breast to become smaller and firmer. Radiation may affect your options for breast reconstruction later on.
