Radiation therapy is typically used to destroy any cancer cells that may still be present after breast cancer surgery. According to Breastcancer.org, it can reduce breast cancer recurrence by up to 70 percent. Its side effects are fairly tolerable and generally localized to the site being treated. The side effects each woman experiences may vary; they depend on the type of radiation.
Side Effects of External Beam Radiation
The most commonly used type of radiation for women with breast cancer, external beam radiation is delivered to the outside of the body with external radiation beams. According to imaginis.com, each treatment lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is generally painless. Although it may take some time before side effects occur, the most common side effect associated with this type of radiation is fatigue. Other side effects are possible and include a swelling of the breast receiving the radiation, loss of appetite, a decrease in white blood cell count and a sunburn-like rash that develops on the breast. These side effects typically go away six to 12 months after the external radiation is complete.
What to Expect With Internal Radiation
Also called brachytherapy, internal radiation is an experimental form of radiation therapy. Unlike external radiation, brachytherapy delivers the radiation directly into the breast tissue next to the cancer. This requires that 10 to 20 catheters be surgically implanted into the breast tissue. It's through these catheters that radioactive pellets are inserted, and at least nine times over the course of a week, the patient is connected to a brachytherapy machine that activates the pellets and delivers the radiation. Sessions last approximately 10 minutes, and the side effects include swelling of the breast and the possibility of infection.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
Intense-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced method of delivering the precise dose of radiation needed. The dose is determined by the size of the tumor, and the amount of radiation delivered is controlled by the technician. This method allows larger doses of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor while minimizing the amount of radiation being sent to healthy tissues.
According to Radiologyinfo.org, there are possible side effects which occur early on, and side effects which occur later in therapy. The early side effects include loss of hair in treatment area, digestion problems, nausea, vomiting, swelling in the treatment area, problems swallowing, diarrhea, headaches and changes in urinary and bladder function.
The late side effects are considered to be rare, and generally do not occur for months or years after completion of the treatment. They are, however, usually permanent. These side effects include changes in the brain and spinal cord, kidney changes, infertility, development of a secondary cancer, changes in the joints and lungs.
