subject: Common Treatment For Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy [print this page] Breast cancer cells are destroyed by radiation therapy. It also helps to prevent the cancer cells from reproducing. Radiation therapy minimized the risk of damaging healthy tissue. The chance of survival is increase through the use of radiation therapy to treat breast cancer.
There are times that radiation therapy is used to reduce the size of tumors prior to surgical removal. BCT, breast-conserving therapy, is performed in the early stages of breast cancer. BCT is followed by about six weeks of radiation therapy. Sometimes, radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells after a mastectomy.
Sometimes chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used in combination to treat breast cancer. Sometimes radiation therapy is the main method of treatment when the tumor cannot be safely removed. Also radiation therapy is used to treat cancers that have spread to the brain, bones or in cases where cancer had returned.
What Are The Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy?
The actual therapy itself is painless. Unfortunately many people experience negative side effects. These side effects include: dryness of the treated skin, discomfort and redness. Between two and three weeks after treatment you may experience fatigue. This should not be disabling fatigue.
Radiation therapy may reduce your blood count levels. You should have your levels checked regularly especially if you are undergoing chemotherapy. Other common symptoms include dry mouth and a sore throat or mouth. You should contact your physician if you experience any of the following: unusual pain, coughing, sweating or fever.
During therapy you should eat healthy and get enough rest. Dont wear tight clothing especially around the affected area. Always protect the affected area from the sun. You should apply moisturizer to the affected area only after your radiation treatments are complete.
With the recent advances there are not many long-term side effects due to radiation therapy. But if they occur they include: fractures of the rib, inflammation of the lungs, heart damage, and scarring. In very rare instances radiation therapy sarcoma may develop.
After radiation therapy if your breast is larger that is normal. Also, you may notice the skin of your breast to be more sensitive. If you experience swelling of the arm, that is normal and you will be instructed in exercises to prevent the development of lymphedema. If you are pregnant it is recommended that you do not have radiation therapy treatment.
When you are having therapy in order to prevent pain or reactions you should avoid sun exposure, wear loose clothing, wear clothing that breathes. Dont use hot water while bathing set your water to tepid. Dont wear tight fitting bras. Use cool compresses if necessary. Dont use any lotions or powders until treatment is complete.
If necessary there are lotions or creams that are specific that you can use while you are undergoing radiation therapy treatments. There should never be any substance on your skin while you are undergoing radiation therapy or you could experience a serious burn. Talk with your physician about what is and is not allowed to use between your therapy treatments.
by: janet bose
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