Radiotherapy

How common and very effectively used to treat breast cancer is by radiotherapy. Usually given after chemotherapy and / or surgery, but this is very large tumor can also be given, or a very difficult operation because of its place. For each of the remaining breast tissue can be given radiotherapy, or breast wall following mastectomy alone. Destroy microscopic cancer cells that remains is the purpose of radiotherapy after surgery.

HOW ARE PROVIDED?

Radiotherapy treatment using a photon is usually given to the entire breast area. Radiotherapy to the breast can be administered in 15-30 treatment sessions, depending on the factors listed above. Usually once per day.

PATIENT POSITIONING

For radiotherapy treatment you have to lie in breastboard, this is set at an altitude of special flights for you, to ensure your sternum is located horizontal to the treatment couch. breastboard hard, and some patients feel a little uncomfortable, but please tell the radiographer in your planning sessions if they can do anything to help you. Depending on the specific type of treatment, you will need to raise one or both arms above your head, so that the radiotherapy treatment can be both planned and treated effectively.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIOTHERAPY TO THE BREAST

The most common side effects experienced by radiotherapy, the breast area is a skin reaction and fatigue. Here are some additional specific suggestions to help you manage / reduce the severity of skin reactions radiotherapy to the breast region.
* Your skin will feel the most sensitive and pain around the nipple and fold under the breast area. This is because here is naturally more sensitive skin, and radiation can act in this type of movement reflects off the skin folds create a bigger reaction. To help with this, it is important that you do not wear underwired bras during and for several weeks after your radiotherapy treatment.
* Do not shave under your affected arm, during and for several weeks after your radiotherapy treatment. It may take longer than usual to heal.
* Avoid using chemicals, fragranced or metal-containing deodorant under the arms are exposed to, during and for several weeks after your radiotherapy. They typically contain aluminum or zinc oxide particles, which will not react well to the radiotherapy treatment. Also, avoid using powder products, even baby powder, in the care / under arm terpengaruh.Ini contain metallic particles, which would cause more severe skin reactions.
* Radiotherapy can cause changes in the look or feel of the breast tissue itself, although for most women these changes very little. Radiotherapy can make your breast tissue, and this can cause the skin to feel a little tight. It also can cause the breast area to swell slightly during, or immediately after treatment is completed. This is known as edema, and must be settled within a few months of completing radiotherapy treatment.
* As you heal the breast area after surgery, you may experience some shooting pain or tingling in the area, which can be exacerbated by radiotherapy. This should be settled in the months after radiotherapy treatment.