Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment
Often used in the fight against breast cancer, radiation breast cancer treatment therapy continues to be one of the most used tools, and over the years has become highly refined as technology improves.
There are two basic types of radiation breast cancer treatment therapy available: internal or external.
During external radiation breast cancer treatment, a highly focused, energetic beam is used to eliminate cancer cells and the surrounding tissue. The beam, which cannot be seen by the naked eye, is able to pass through the skin. Cancer cells have a different composition and behave differently to healthy cells, and so they react in a different manner to the beam.
Radiation does affect healthy cells, but cancer cells are more affected as they grow and divide in abnormal ways, so the beam interferes with their behavior. They also tend to absorb a higher percentage of the radiative energy. The cancer cells are then killed by the radiative energy. The blood vessels that supplied the tumor are also often destroyed, cutting off the tumors food supply.
Often known brachytherapy, internal radiation therapy is similar to chemotherapy. However a small amount of radioactive material is implanted as opposed to drugs being used to create a chemical change. The implanted material projects targeted radiation, killing the cancer cells from within the body.
Though it is less common, internal radiation therapy is an option, and should be discussed in depth with a specialist before the treatment is undertaken.
It is not unusual for radiation breast cancer treatment therapy to be used as a precursor or in conjunction with other treatments. An oncologist will often recommend that a patient undergo radiation therapy, usually for six to eight weeks, after a modified mastectomy has been performed.
This dual treatment is used to make certain that any remaining cancer cells not removed in surgery are eliminated during the radiation treatment. However, as a large majority of the cancer has already been removed, the treatment is less intensive.
It is also common for chemotherapy and radiation treatments to be combined. As each cancer case is unique, a specific, individual treatment plan will need to be discussed in the event that you do develop cancer.
Though radiation treatment itself is painless, many people experience side effects after undergoing radiation therapy.
Fatigue, especially during the later stages of breast cancer treatment is not uncommon. It is not unusual to receive treatment for five days in a weekly period, sometimes twice per day, for several weeks. Fatigue can persist for a few weeks, or even longer, even once treatment has been completed.
As radiation is absorbed through the skin tissue covering the breast area, skin problems are another common side effect. It is not unusual to suffer from redness, itching and soreness. Patients often find they have a loss of sensation around the breast, under the arm and other nearby areas. As radiation is rarely applied to the head during breast cancer treatment, hair loss occurs infrequently.
Where radiation is applied to the lymph nodes in the armpit, some patients find that their immune system is affected. Radiation tends to decrease the effectiveness of lymph nodes and they are a key component of the immune system.
Luckily radiation side effects normally have a short duration. It is rare for radiation to destroy or irreparably harm the body, and its organs. Once radiation breast cancer treatment is completed, most patients find that their body will begin to function as it did prior to treatment.
Introduction to Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Prevention – How to Prevent Breast Cancer
Genetic Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Environmental and Lifestyle Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast Cancer Diagnosis - Breast Cancer Test
Breast Cancer Stages – Breast Cancer Survival Rates
Breast Cancer Self Exam - Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer Surgery Treatment
Chemotherapy Breast Cancer Medication
Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgery Treatments
Breast Cancer Statistics, Diagnosis and Treatments
Breast Cancer Mammogram Diagnosis
Breast Cancer Diet Tests and Research
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