Radiation therapy
, or radiotherapy, is commonly used to treat a variety of cancers. When a patient has breast cancer, this form of treatment can target the infected area to remove or destroy cancerous cells. However, like any form of medical treatment, radiation therapy has side effects that may vary from one patient to the next.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common side effect of breast radiation treatment. Going beyond feeling tired, fatigue is when a person feels drained for no discernible reason, such as exercising or running errands could explain. Fatigue may result in losing interest in things patients liked to do before their treatment, a general lack of energy, an uncaring attitude toward personal appearance, and a desire to sleep more.
Chest Pain
During or immediately following breast radiation treatments, patients may feel shooting pains in the chest. The reason for this is fairly simple. While the radiation treatment is destroying cancerous cells, it's also irritating nerve endings and making them swell. Painkillers may be given to alleviate these effects, but the choice is up to the doctor.
Heart Problems
Heart problems are another possible side effect of breast radiation therapy. A patient might feel that his heart's rhythm is becoming irregular (either too slow or too fast), or he could possibly experience a heart attack. Physicians watch for this possibility and can prescribe medication to minimize risk or prevent recurrence if heart problems do appear.
Breathing Issues
Other possible side effects of breast radiation therapy are lung problems. Patients undergoing these treatments might feel short of breath, or find that they have a persistent dry cough for no apparent reason. The doctor should be informed if either of these conditions occur, as it could be a sign of more serious problems (such as blood clots moving into the lungs), but more often it's just an uncomfortable side effect that can be treated.
Expectations
Not all patients who undergo breast radiation therapy experience these or any other side effects. Every person's health is different, so some people may experience all, some, or none of these. However, if patients are feeling any of these side effects, or others that aren't listed, they should inform their doctor.
Tags: breast radiation, radiation therapy, side effect, side effects, breast radiation therapy, cancerous cells, effect breast