Radiation treatment is used in breast-cancer patients to destroy any cancer cells that may have been missed during surgery. It may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, after chemotherapy, may be the first step in the treatment process and can be used even before surgery. Radiation therapy can be directed from the outside of the body, through the use of beams, or internally, with the use of radioisotopes that are implanted in or near the tumor.
Traditional Radiation Therapy
In traditional therapy, the beam is concentrated on the breast and its surrounding area. Because radiation destroys healthy tissue in the area of the tumor site, special shields are often used so that the great majority of the radiation pinpoints the breast.
Radiation can be delivered while you lie on either your back or stomach. When the stomach, or prone, position is chosen, your lungs, heart and other vital organs near the breast do not receive as much exposure to the radiation.
If the radiation is delivered while lying on your stomach, the breast will be positioned into a hole cut into a table that is specifically designed for this type of radiation treatment. As the breast hangs down, the radiation beam is delivered from an angle where it will reach the breast, usually from underneath.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
In this form of radiation therapy, the dosage is programmed into a computer, and is then delivered to the breast in a steady, consistent way. This method makes it possible to reduce the amount of exposure to radiation that can affect surrounding tissue and organs.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy
Cancer specialists and radiologists who perform radiation therapy can locate the specific target before the radiation treatment begins.
First, clips are implanted to mark the radiation target. These are visible via X-ray, sonography or another imaging method, and are used to pinpoint the radiation beam.
Next, the doctor or radiation therapist will assess if the target is close to a specific bone. She then uses that particular bone as a landmark to guide the radiation beam to its intended location.
Partial Breast Irradiation
This method is still in the investigational stage. Only the part of the breast where the tumor was removed receives any radiation therapy. You must be in the very early stages of breast cancer for this to be an option.
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