RClinical studies demonstrate that for older women *60 years, radiation therapy may not increase their success rate of recovery. almost all women who have had lumpectomies are now treated with radiation *****SHRAGA*****Although the cancer was removed by a lumpectomy, there is a high risk of recurrence in the affected breast. Radiation therapy is given to lessen this risk.radiation therapy consists of x-rays being trained on specific areas of the body. These rays destroy malignant cells though also healthy cells. The healthy cells are able to regenerate and in the treatment of breast cancer the damage is local, not bodywide.When the tumor is large or has spread to the lymph nodes, radiation therapy is sometimes used with a mastectomy. It is not normally used with a mastectomy.Radiation is sometimes used to treat the lymph nodes behind the breast bone or above the collarbone Extremely large tumors are sometimes combated partially with radiationA radiotherapist or radiation oncologist is a physician trained in the administration of radiation for medical purposes. Some radiation specialists are particularly expert in the treatment of breast cancer, and should be sought out.A proper treatment facility must contain the following: a radiation physicist, a radiation technologist, and radiation therapy nurses.Radiation therapy has the following effects.-radiation therapy does not cause pain-does cause swelling, redness of skin, and fatigue-radiation can cause a malignancy of blood vessels, bone, or connective tissue at the site of treatment. This is called a hemangiosa and is a serious malignancy. It requires a mastectomy.-Occasionally, radiation can cause a hairline fracture of the ribs.-Radiation therapy can sometimes injure lungs .(neither of the last two conditions are likely to occur if radiation therapy is properly planned and administered.)-Some women experience episodes of discomfort and re...
