Radiation therapy is a method of treatment commonly used in conjunction with surgery in the treatment of breast cancer. Its purpose is to destroy any lingering cancer cells following the removal of a cancerous tumor. According to Breastcancer.org, radiation therapy actually decreases the recurrence of breast cancer by up to 70 percent. There is more than one type of radiation therapy available for the treatment process; therefore, the side effects will vary according to the type of radiation each patient receives.
Intense-Modulated Radiation Therapy Side Effects
An advanced method of delivering radiation treatment, Intense-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) offers the exact amount of radiation needed depending on the size of the tumor.
According to Radiologyinfo.org, the side effects are separated into two categories: those that occur in the early part of the radiation therapy and those that could occur during the later stages of therapy.
Early side effects include loss of hair in area of the body receiving radiation, problems with digestion, nausea and vomiting. Other side effects you may develop early on include swelling of the treatment area, problems swallowing, diarrhea, headaches and changes in urinary and bladder function.
Late side effects are considered rare, generally occurring either months or years after completion of the treatment. These include brain and spinal cord changes, kidney changes, infertility and changes in the joints and lungs. In many cases, these side effects are permanent.
Internal Radiation Side Effects
Internal radiation is an experimental form of radiation therapy, known also as brachytherapy. Internal radiation therapy delivers radiation directly into the tissue of the breast, near the location of the cancer. Possible side effects include swelling of the breast and infection at the site of radiation.
External Radiation Side Effects
External beam radiation is the most commonly prescribed type of radiation for people with breast cancer. External radiation beams are delivered to the cancer site outside of the body, with each treatment taking between 15 and 30 minutes to complete, according to imaginis.com. Side effects typically occur in the latter stages of treatment, the most common of which is fatigue. Other side effects include swelling of the breast, loss of appetite, a decrease in white blood cell count and a sunburn-like rash on the surface of the breast. These side effects tend to disappear 6 to 12 months after radiation treatment is complete.
