One of the more rapidly growing options for breast cancer treatment is radiation therapy--more specifically, external radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation to treat malignant tumors in the body, and it is used to treat many different types of cancer. As with the treatment of any site, radiation treatment for breast cancer can cause certain side effects.
Fatigue
Nearly all patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment will experience some sort of fatigue, the National Cancer Institute reports. Fatigue with radiation therapy treatments can be caused by anemia, depression and stress. It is best combated with frequent rests, maintaining regular sleeping patterns and monitoring stress levels.
Breast Swelling and Heaviness
Patients undergoing breast radiation therapy sometimes experience breast swelling due to fluid collection in the treatment area, according to the American Cancer Society. This collection of fluid typically is temporary and usually will go away four to eight weeks after treatment is completed.
Redness or Irritation of the Skin
One of the more common side effects of radiation therapy to the breast is an irritation of the skin in the area being treated. Often, this irritation will be similar to a sunburn but will develop more slowly, typically over a few weeks, the American College of Radiology explains. A radiation oncologist will go over treatment steps for this irritation, but patients can help minimize it by keeping the treatment area clean and dry, refraining from shaving in the treatment area and avoiding perfumed lotions or oils. Redness or irritation typically will go away four to eight weeks after the completion of treatment.
Skin Breakdown
Occasionally, patients receiving breast irradiation will develop a breakdown of the skin in the treatment area. The skin will become tender and will peel, a condition known as moist desquamation. This type of skin reaction typically will occur in the fold of where the breast rests on the rib cage or where the breast meets the upper arm. Depending on the severity of the irritation, a radiation oncologist may decide to stop treatment for a certain amount of time to allow the skin to heal before finishing treatment. This side effect also is temporary and will heal after treatment is complete.
