Side effects of breast radiation therapy

Breast cancer is a potentially curable cancer, but it is becoming increasingly common among modern women due to excessive mental stress. In the early stages of breast cancer, conservative treatment such as radiotherapy is generally adopted. However, women generally experience some discomfort symptoms after breast radiotherapy. So what side effects does breast radiation therapy have on women's bodies?

1. Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea

Some patients may feel fatigue after radiotherapy, and patients who are sensitive to radiation may experience loss of appetite and nausea. Radiation can affect the patient's hematopoietic system, which may cause leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

2. Radiation burns on the skin in the irradiated area

The most important side effect of radiotherapy for breast cancer is the radioactive critical reaction of the patient's skin in the irradiated area. After the patient starts treatment, the skin in the irradiated area will gradually turn red and darker. At the end of radiotherapy, the skin may ulcerate, peel, or even have wet peeling. These are all reactions to radiation burns. These reactions usually resolve gradually after radiation therapy ends.

3. Radiation pneumonitis and radiation pulmonary fibrosis

The rays used in radiotherapy have strong penetrating power. In addition to irradiating a part of the breast and chest wall, some deep tissues will also be irradiated, such as the lung tissue under the thorax. After this part is irradiated, the patient may develop radiation pneumonitis and radiation pulmonary fibrosis. Generally speaking, patients do not have any symptoms. Only 1% of patients may develop symptomatic pneumonia, with obvious cough, wheezing, and fever after the treatment. At this time, we must be vigilant and take the patient to see a doctor in time.

4. Heart complications

Generally speaking, the part of the heart irradiated by radiotherapy happens to be the location of the heart's main blood supply. Five or ten years after radiotherapy, these patients have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than the normal population. However, this increase has been greatly reduced compared with the past through precise treatment, and it is relatively safe.

5. Osteoporosis and fractures

Radiation will also have a certain impact on the ribs and may cause osteoporosis, but this osteoporosis will not be very serious. Doctors will advise patients to protect the treated side and avoid impact. After impact, the risk of fracture of irradiated bones is greater than that of normal bones.