Radiation therapy is one of the most common and effective options for breast cancer. It’s a non-invasive, painless procedure that kills cancerous cells using targeted energy beams, like X-rays and protons.
Although radiotherapy may seem intimidating, it’s critical to many patients’ healing journeys. If you or a loved one is considering this treatment, let’s discuss everything you need to know, from the different therapies to the possible side effects.
Understanding How It Works
Radiation therapy is suitable for treating almost all stages of breast cancer, eradicating cancerous cells without harming as much healthy tissue as possible. It effectively diminishes the chances of recurrence, eases pain, and helps manage symptoms associated with metastatic breast cancer.
Radiation therapy can be performed following mastectomy (breast removal) or lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) to ensure no residual tumors are left behind. Doctors also recommend it for locally advanced breast cancer, especially when the tumor is too large or tricky to operate on.
Types of Radiation Therapies
After running various tests and scans, your doctor will advise the ideal radiation therapy for your diagnosis. It could be any of the following:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
This localized treatment sends electron, photon, or proton beams to the breast using a machine. Depending on the particles used, the radiation can eliminate surface-level and deeply embedded tumors in the breast. Moreover, EBRT’s precise approach helps reduce damage to surrounding healthy cells.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
This procedure involves placing a radiation applicator inside the body and directing a large dose of radiation to the cancer’s primary site. It’s incredibly helpful when dealing with trace amounts of tumors that aren’t easy to spot during surgery. IORT also lowers the recurrence risks and the need for frequent treatment sessions.
Brachytherapy
Also called internal radiation, this treatment involves putting small seeds or capsules inside the breast via catheters. The implants flash radiation for several minutes to shrink or eradicate tumors without affecting healthy cells. Many patients undergo brachytherapy after lumpectomy or along with other therapies like EBRT.
Treatment Side Effects
Although safe and highly effective, radiation therapy still has risks. Patients can feel fatigue, pain/swelling in the breast, and skin irritation, or notice skin color changes akin to sunburn. Some may experience long-term side effects, including breast shrinkage or enlargement, constant exhaustion, spider veins, or swelling in the arm close to the breast with tumors. Radiation treatments at lower doses spread out over a period of weeks result in fewer side effects than fewer treatments at higher doses.
Is Radiation Treatment Advisable for Your Diagnosis?
Radiation therapy is a proven and safe option for dealing with breast cancer. Whether performed externally or internally, it takes a targeted approach to exterminating tumors and minimizes damage to healthy cells and the risk of cancer returning. Get in touch with Cochise Oncology today for medical advice, support, or more information on radiation therapy for breast cancer.
