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Irradiation - Radiation therapy for breast cancer
Irradiation - Radiation therapy for breast cancer
Radiation therapy may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 50-66%. Many patients are wary of radiation therapy, considering that this is the impact of radiation on their entire body. However, this method can be easily transferred, compared, for example, chemotherapy side effects and its applications are limited only by the place. Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy (or radiation exposure) - is a highly effective method for a narrow impact on the cancer tissue. It is mainly used after surgery in order to "finish off" the remaining tumor cells.
Effects of radiation on the tumor
Radiation therapy is the use of radiation. This radiation is the so-called ionizing radiation, which is a type of gamma radiation. With the penetration of this radiation, gamma-like particles knock electrons from organic molecules, resulting in their ionization. The result is the destruction of cell structure. This is the principle of radiation therapy. Although the radiation affects healthy cells, cancer cells are more sensitive and thus are destroyed much more quickly. In addition, cancer cells do not have the regenerative abilities, which are the healthy cells of the breast tissue.
Radiation therapy can be done in two ways: externally and internally.
None of the patients, the last operation, of course, does not want to, this disease has returned and once again go through all the treatments. It is therefore understandable desire the patient to do everything possible to reduce the risk of a recurrence of breast cancer. Radiation therapy in this situation is a very effective way to reduce this risk.
Radiation therapy is a very important method of treatment of tumors that is often used in oncology and, in particular, mammalogy, since it can reduce cancer recurrence after surgery. While it is possible that during the surgery, the surgeon removed all the tissue affected by cancer, it does not give an absolute guarantee that the breast is left at least one cancer cell.
These cells can neither probe nor to identify any additional methods of research. Such cells can develop gradually and form a new tumor - a relapse. In this case, a tumor can be felt or detected at mammography.
Numerous studies have shown that survival in patients treated with radiation therapy compared with those who did not receive this treatment is much higher and the chance of relapse is less. In an extensive medical study found that patients who did not pass a course of radiation therapy after lumpectomy, the risk of relapse was 40%. Another study showed the high efficiency of radiation therapy even in patients with small breast cancer (less than a centimeter).
Radiation therapy for metastatic breast cancer
Sometimes cancer cells can be transferred to the bloodstream to various places remote from the primary containment area - the so-called metastases. Metastases show the latest stage of the cancer - the fourth stage. These metastases can be bone, liver, brain and spinal cord, as well as in other organs and tissues. Radiation therapy can reduce the size of metastases and to monitor their growth.
Radiation therapy can:
To reduce pain,
Reduce the risk of pathological fracture in the metastatic cancer in bone
To reduce bleeding,
Improve respiratory function,
Reduce the compression, which have metastasized to the nerves or spinal cord, causing the pain and numbness.
Ten key points that need to know about radiation therapy
Radiation therapy - a method of targeting the tumor to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation therapy is carried out of the tumor or in places where the metastasis.
Effects of radiation on the body painlessly, but over time may have discomfort.
One type of radiotherapy is the external effects of radiation on tissue, and as a result of exposure they do not become radioactive.
Usually, treatment is carried out for five days a week, and the course can last up to seven weeks.
Since the exposure session lasted only 30 minutes a day, you can safely keep their way of life.
Typically, radiation exposure does not cause hair loss, if radiation therapy is not specifically aimed at the head.
In the area of skin exposure over time may become pink or reddened or darkened, as well as irritable and sensitive. In order to alleviate these symptoms apply special creams and medicines.
During the course of radiotherapy, the patient may feel tired. It usually lasts from several weeks to several months, and by the end of the treatment takes place.
Most side effects of radiation therapy are temporary.
Radiation therapy reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence after surgery.
