In 2008, there were 2.5 million women in the United States who had survived breast cancer, a disease that involves the growth of malignant tumors within breast tissue. Surgery to remove the tumor or the breast is one of the most common types of treatment, and this normally removes the cancerous tissue; however, radiation therapy is often prescribed after breast cancer surgery to ensure all cancerous cells have been eliminated.
Significance
Radiation therapy is frequently prescribed after breast surgery when a woman experiences the spread of cancer to four or more lymph nodes, the tiny glands surrounding breast tissue.
Function
Radiation therapy uses varying forms of radioactive materials to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the body, particularly in areas outside the breast if the cancer managed to spread.
Types
Internal radiation is performed by injecting the cancer into the breast tissue with a needle or catheter. External radiation uses a machine to conduct radiation waves into the breast tissue and is the type most commonly used after breast cancer surgery.
Time Frame
Radiation therapy usually is performed regularly for a period of 5 to 7 weeks.
Considerations
A woman's oncologist or surgeon will make the ultimate decision about the need for and duration of radiation therapy after breast cancer surgery.
Tags: breast tissue, after breast, breast cancer, breast cancer surgery, cancer surgery
