Besides chemotherapy, there is “Radiation” which is one of the procedures that patients with breast cancer concern as well. For this reason, a specialist in radiation therapy and cancer, Doctor Maneenatch , from Phayathai Nawamin Hospital has described breast cancer radiation that actually radiation is not as dangerous as we think !!
Radiation and surgery for breast storage
A doctor of radiotherapy will provide a radiation covers the breast, in the case of surgery for breast storage. And the radiation may have to cover the lymph nodes above the collarbone, includes the lymph nodes of the armpit or lymph nodes of the thorax on the side that has breast cancer. However, depending on the stage of the disease and the location of the tumor.
What are the “side effects” of “radiation” that may occur?
Radiation is usually be provided after chemotherapy. If the patient has low white blood cells. Then their radiation will be postponed until the white blood cell count is in a normal condition. However, a skin care after the procedure is also important. For example, when the patient receives radiation around the armpit. Which is the area where there are consisted of sweat and fug. According to that , wearing cloth may cause the area skin irritation with scar. In addition, patients may experience other side effects, such as coughing, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, or difficulty in food swallowing. Due to the radiation occurs around the thorax.
What are the symptoms, that patient must be hurry for seeing a doctor!
If the patient has abnormalities such as ulceration or bleeding in the irradiation site. Including high fever then the person should be sent to doctor immediately, there is no need to wait for any appointment going before having an appointment that also can be done. But if it is not convenient, patients can be sent to see a doctor at the nearest hospital. In order to relieve initial symptoms.
What are side effects “After” the radiation
If the patients choose to store the breast after a procedure. According to that, it may become thicker and has some shape disorders. Meanwhile, the two side of patient’s breast may not be the same. Includes the nipples can be smaller and breast milk will not be seen from the irradiated side. Moreover, in case of pregnancy abnormal capillaries may appear on the breast. However, an irradiated arm may be swelling from fingertip to upper arm. And fingers may not work as usual as well. Or it can even easily be infected. In addition, the pain can cause patients , refusing to move their arms.While irradiated shoulder may have fascia and barely be moved.
“Nowadays, radiation has modern tools, which is based on a development of medical technology.
For example, 3D radiation. Accordingly, that make doctors gaining more information for planning. And increased specific radiation for each case. Including reducing the amount of radiation to organs. Which is the risk of complications. Which doctors must consider radiation techniques that suit for each patient “
Specialist in radiation and cancerology Phyathai Nawamin hospital
