Breast Cancer Radiation
As one of the treatment options for breast cancer, radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation treatment used for breast cancer: external radiation and internal radiation. Side effects of radiation therapy may include such things as fatigue and red, dry, tender, and itchy skin in the treated area. In cases of breast cancer, radiation treatment may be used prior to surgery, after surgery, or instead of surgery.
Breast Cancer Radiation: An Overview
Breast cancer radiation treatment may be administered through a machine delivers radiation to the affected breast and, in some cases, to the lymph nodes under the arm or at the collarbone (clavicle). Other methods for administering the radiation therapy include implanting thin plastic tubes containing a radioactive substance directly into the breast.
Uses of Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment
Most women receive radiation treatment for breast cancer after breast-sparing surgery. Breast cancer radiation therapy is also used sometimes to shrink tumors before surgery. Doctors use this approach when the tumor is large or may be hard to remove. Doctors sometimes use breast cancer radiation therapy along with chemotherapy, instead of surgery, to destroy cancer cells and to shrink tumors. Some women may receive radiation therapy after a mastectomy.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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