How Does Radiation Therapy Work for Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which makes it harder for them to divide and grow. The high-energy radiation used in this treatment can come from different sources, including external beam radiation, which uses a machine to deliver radiation from outside the body, or internal radiation, which involves placing radioactive material directly in or near the tumor. The choice of radiation therapy depends on a number of factors, such as the size and location of the tumor, the type of breast cancer, and the person's overall health.
External beam radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy used for breast cancer treatment. During this treatment, a radiation oncologist will use a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver radiation to the breast tissue from different angles. The radiation is carefully targeted to the area where the tumor was removed, and the surrounding tissue is usually spared. This treatment typically lasts several weeks, with sessions being scheduled on a daily basis.
Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive material in or near the tumor to deliver radiation directly to the cancer cells. This type of radiation therapy is commonly used after a lumpectomy, which is a surgery to remove a small cancerous lump in the breast. During the procedure, a small device containing the radioactive material is placed in the cavity left by the surgery, and the radiation is delivered over a period of several days. This treatment can be less time-consuming than external beam radiation therapy, but it is not suitable for all types of breast cancer.
Radiation therapy can have side effects that vary depending on the type and location of the treatment. The most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer include fatigue, skin irritation, and swelling of the breast tissue. Other possible side effects include nausea, hair loss, and a decrease in appetite. However, most side effects are temporary and can be managed with medication or lifestyle changes.
In addition to its efficacy in treating breast cancer, radiation therapy can also be used to prevent the recurrence of the disease. This is known as adjuvant radiation therapy, and it is often used after surgery to remove a tumor. Adjuvant radiation therapy can help kill any remaining cancer cells that may have been left behind after surgery, thus reducing the risk of the cancer coming back.
In conclusion, radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment option for breast cancer that works by destroying cancer cells using high-energy radiation. This treatment can be used before or after surgery, as well as in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy. The choice of radiation therapy depends on a number of factors, and the treatment can have side effects that vary depending on the type and location of the treatment. Despite these potential side effects, radiation therapy can be an important tool in the fight against breast cancer, and it can help prevent the recurrence of the disease.