Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Side Effects

Radiation therapy is a treatment option for breast cancer patients. You may be concerned about side effects. For example, what are the most common side effects? What are their effects? How long do they last? Is there a way to reduce or prevent them? You can reach Dr. Dodul Mondal, a breast cancer treatment specialist in Delhi if you have any questions about breast cancer.

Radiation therapy can cause side effects in breast cancer patients.

Radiation therapy can cause side effects in two flavors, early and late. This is regardless of the type of cancer being treated. The first side effects can occur at the end of treatment, or within a few days after it is finished. However, the later ones can develop anywhere from six months to one year after treatment has ended.

Skin irritation and fatigue are the most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer patients. Radiation therapy can be for anywhere from one to six months. The skin on the chest and breasts that has been repeatedly exposed to radiation may become dry or redder as the treatment progresses. This can cause irritation and make the skin feel itchy. Sometimes, it may even peel.

What are the most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer patients?

The breast and chest skin does not always return to its original color. Radiation can cause persistent tanning. This can be reduced by moisturizing daily after treatment is completed. Radiation can cause soft tissue hardening and tightening. This could result in the breasts or chest walls feeling less soft or flexible. This can be improved by stretching and physical therapy. Telangiectasias are tiny spider veins that appear under the skin's skin. These are caused by blood vessels expanding.

Lymphedema is also possible due to lymphatic fluid not draining properly. Sometimes, lymph nodes from the neck, arm or torso can cause this. This can become more severe if the lymph nodes remain exposed to radiation.

What are the treatment options for these side effects of radiation therapy?

We evaluate patients every week for dryness and tenderness. So that they are not too uncomfortable, we want to check how their skin is holding. We can offer non-prescription creams or topical steroids if they have skin problems. A moisturizing gel that can be applied directly to the skin in sheet form provides a cooling sensation. There are also many foam dressings that can be used. We recommend that patients suffering from skin pain use a small amount of topical lidocaine cream to help them numb the affected areas as they heal.

Physical therapy is recommended for tightness and hardening. This can help patients regain their mobility. Our surgeons may replace the damaged tissue with normal, non-irradiated tissues for patients who elect to undergo breast reconstruction. Botox injections have been used to relieve tight muscles and pain.

Breast swelling, pneumonitis and other less common side effects are all possible.

Radiation therapy may be required for patients with breast cancer that has spread into the lymph nodes of their necks. This can lead to a sore throat at the end of treatment. This usually goes away by itself, but patients who need immediate pain relief may be prescribed ibuprofen. Some patients may experience swelling in the breast tissue. It is usually mild and goes away by itself.

Can there be any way to avoid skin-related radiation treatment side effects in breast cancer patients?

Radiation therapy is planned carefully by our patients to minimize the risk of "hot spots," which are areas of skin that are exposed to radiation at higher doses than others. Although topical steroids may be able to prevent irritation from the skin, some studies have not shown that it can completely eliminate it. We want to make sure that the skin is properly treated when breast cancer affects the skin. It may become a little reddish.

You can make an appointment with a Breast Cancer Specialist in Delhi NCR if you experience side effects.