Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is a treatment for breast cancer that uses powerful beams of radiation to destroy cancerous cells in the breast. Radiation can be very effective in preventing the spread of cancer and removing the dangerous cells from the breast. However, there are numerous side effects of the radiation that can affect patients for an extended period of time.
Effects on Breast Tissue
Radiation therapy has been associated with various effects on the tissue of the breast, reports CancerHelp UK. Typical changes include firming of the breast tissue, shrinking of the breast, swollen breast tissue. Firm breast tissue, if severe, can also cause pain.
Swollen breast tissue can indicate a more serious side effect, according to CancerHelp UK. The radiation can cause a problem with the natural drainage of the lymphatic system. This can cause swelling in the breast. This side effect should be treated as soon as possible.
Skin Effects
Skin changes include the development of small red marks on the skin and slightly darker skin around the treatment area, states the American Cancer Society. These effects usually progress over time and can last for years after radiotherapy.
The small red spots are due to the damage of small blood vessels within the breast tissue. This condition is called telengiectasia. This can change the appearance of the breast tissue, but does not cause any serious harm.
Fatigue
Chronic fatigue can be a side effect associated with radiotherapy, according to the University of Virginia. The fatigue is related to the massive amounts of energy the patient's body expends to heal normal tissue damaged by the radiation. Chronic fatigue can also be linked to the persistence of the breast cancer or the development of a new cancer.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a swelling of the arm. This is can be a long-term effect of radiation therapy, states CancerHelp UK. This side effect is most common in patients who receive both radiotherapy and surgery. Most doctors do not usually perform a combination of surgery and radiotherapy, but in some cases of cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes both modes of treatment are necessary.
Secondary Cancers
In rare cases patients who undergo radiation therapy can develop a secondary cancer years after treatment. The most common type of cancer that develops is angiosarcoma, according to the American Cancer Society. This rare type of cancer can develop and spread quickly.
