Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) uses targeted, high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. For women with early stage breast cancer, radiation therapy is used after surgery to kill cancer that might be left in or around the breast or chest. This is most important with lumpectomy (also called breast conserving surgery), since much of the breast tissue is left intact.
Most women who have a mastectomy do not need radiation therapy. However, in some cases, radiation is used after mastectomy to treat the chest wall and the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes).
Eligibility for Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy after surgery is an option for women who have ductal carcinoma in situ, early stage breast cancer, locally advanced breast cancer or inflammatory breast cancer. However, not all women with these types of cancer can receive this treatment. Certain medical conditions that make radiation therapy harmful include:
History of scleroderma or systemic lupus. These disorders can keep tissue from healing correctly after lumpectomy and radiation therapy.
Pregnancy. Radiation can harm a fetus. If a woman is in her third trimester, she can often have lumpectomy and put off radiation therapy until after delivery.
Prior radiation therapy to the same breast. In general, radiation therapy to the breast can only be given once.
Women who have breast implants made of saline or silicone can have radiation therapy. However, implants can make radiation therapy planning more complex. Radiation can cause implants to shrink or develop a fibrous knot, leading to a poor cosmetic result. If your treatment plan includes mastectomy, radiation therapy and breast reconstruction, you should discuss potential risks with the breast surgeon and radiation oncologist. For more on breast reconstruction, visit the Breast Reconstruction section.
Updated 08/24/09
