Radiotheraphy

Radiotheraphy

Description
• Radiation is produced by a high energy X-ray machine that is aimed at the tumor area and normal tissue
surrounding it.
• Your radiation therapy procedure might include:
• External Beam Therapy
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
• Interstitial Therapy (or "Brachytherapy") - the temporary placement of radioactive materials within the breast, usually employed to give an extra dose of radiation to the area of the excision site (called a "boost").
• A linear accelerator (LINAC) is the device most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer. It delivers a uniform dose of high-energy x-ray to the region of the patient's tumor.
These x-rays can destroy the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.
• A linear accelerator is also used for Intensity-Modulated RadiationTherapy (IMRT).

Uses
• Radiotherapy is an integral part of Breast Conserving surgery and is given after lumpectomy to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells in the remaining breast tissue.
• Radiotherapy may also be given after mastectomy depending on the number of lymph nodes affected, the margin status and the size of the lump.

Preparation
• Women should avoid the use of perfumes, cosmetics, or deodorants in the treatment area (use cornstarch with or without baking soda in place of deodorants)
• You cannot have radiotherapy if you are pregnant as the radiation will be dangerous to your baby
• Jewelry and other accessories should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the treatment. Metal and electronic objects can interfere with the high energy x-rays and are not allowed in the exam room.
Procedure
• Given on an out-patient basis for 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks.
• Only takes 5 minutes
• The linear accelerator sits in a room with lead and concrete walls so that the high-energy x-rays do not escape. The radiation therapist must turn on the accelerator from outside the treatment room.
• The patient lies on a moveable treatment couch and lasers are used to make sure the patient is in the proper position. Radiation can be delivered to the tumor from any angle by rotating the accelerator and moving the treatment couch.
• During treatment the radiation therapist continuously watches the patient through a closed-circuit television monitor. There is also a microphone in the treatment room so that the patient can speak to the therapist if needed.
• Port films (x-rays taken with the treatment beam) are checked regularly to make sure that the beam position doesn't vary from the original plan.
• The radiotherapy treatment does NOT make you radioactive
• It is usually given after chemotherapy.
• Eighty percent to 90 percent of women treated with modern surgery and radiotherapy techniques have excellent or good cosmetic results; that is, little or no change in the treated breast in size, shape, texture or appearance compared with what it was like before treatment.

Limitations
• Patients with large breasts seem to have greater shrinkage of the breast after radiation therapy than do smaller-breasted patients. However, this problem usually can be overcome with the use of higher x-ray energies.
• Most patients develop mild fatigue that builds up gradually over the course of therapy. This slowly goes away one to two months following the radiation therapy. Most patients develop dull aches or sharp shooting pains in the breast that may last for a few seconds or minutes. It is rare for patients to need any medication for this.
• The most common side effect needing attention is skin reaction. Most patients develop reddening, dryness and itching of the skin after a few weeks. Some patients develop substantial irritation.
Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For more information, please call:

RADIATION ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Tel. Nos.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 / (632) 689-8101 Ext. 6101 to 6102

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. Nos.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444