What Is Radiation Therapy?

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Breast cancer radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells in the breast area. It is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Here is a comprehensive overview of breast cancer radiation therapy:

Types of Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

  1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

    • Description: The most common type of radiation therapy for breast cancer. It involves directing radiation beams from outside the body to the breast area.
    • Procedure: The patient lies on a table, and a machine called a linear accelerator delivers radiation to the affected area.
    • Duration: Typically given five days a week for 3-6 weeks.

       

      Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

      • Description: Involves placing a radioactive source inside the breast tissue near the tumor site.
      • Procedure: Radioactive seeds or pellets are placed in the breast tissue through catheters or applicators.
      • Duration: Can be a short-term treatment (a few days) or a long-term treatment (several weeks).

Techniques of External Beam Radiation Therapy

  1. Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy

    • Description: Radiation is delivered to the entire breast, often after a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery).
    • Purpose: To eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the breast.

  2. Partial-Breast Radiation Therapy

    • Description: Radiation is targeted only to the area around the tumor bed.
    • Purpose: To reduce exposure to healthy breast tissue and minimize side effects.

  3. Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy

    • Description: A form of EBRT where higher doses of radiation are given over a shorter period (e.g., 3-4 weeks instead of 5-6 weeks).
    • Purpose: To provide effective treatment in a shorter time frame.

How Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Works

  • Mechanism: Radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Normal cells can also be affected but are generally better at repairing themselves.
  • Targeting: Advanced imaging techniques (CT, MRI) are used to precisely target the radiation to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Fatigue, skin changes (redness, peeling, darkening), swelling in the breast, and tenderness.
  • Long-Term Side Effects: Changes in breast size or shape, lymphedema (swelling of the arm), and, rarely, damage to the heart or lungs if the left breast is treated.

Benefits and Risks

  • Benefits: Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, can be used in combination with other treatments (surgery, chemotherapy), and can be tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Risks: Potential damage to healthy tissues, risk of secondary cancers, and various side effects.

Conclusion

Breast cancer radiation therapy is a vital component of breast cancer treatment, particularly after surgery. It helps to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are destroyed, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence. The treatment plan is carefully tailored to each patient to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.

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