What are the side effects of intraoperative radiation therapy?
Most patients do not feel any discomfort during or after the procedure. Side effects that you may experience include: Fatigue. Skin irritation at the site of tumor removal.
Who is a candidate for IORT?
Breast cancer patients who would normally undergo a lumpectomy followed by radiation are ideal candidates for IORT. Candidates typically are in the early stages of breast cancer, are over the age of 60, and have small tumors.
How long does it take to get fitted for a radiation mask?
Your mask fitting will take about 30 minutes. The radiation therapy technologists will be with you throughout this period to address any of your concerns or fears.
Is IORT a brachytherapy?
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is considered medically appropriate if ALL of the following criteria are met: Electron beam or high-dose rate brachytherapy are used.
How effective is stereotactic radiation therapy?
Early results suggest that SBRT is as effective as, and likely more effective than standard radiation therapy – especially for early stage lung cancer, gastrointestinal tumors such as pancreatic tumors, and liver tumors.
Why is a lumpectomy done?
The goal of lumpectomy is to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue while maintaining the appearance of your breast. Studies indicate that lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is as effective in preventing a recurrence of breast cancer as removal of the entire breast (mastectomy) for early-stage breast cancer.
Does radiation make you really tired?
It’s very common for people with cancer and often happens with radiation therapy. Most people start to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation therapy. This happens because radiation treatments destroy some healthy cells as well as the cancer cells. Fatigue usually gets worse as treatment goes on.
Why do they strap you down for radiation?
Depending on your treatment area, you may be asked to grab special straps that push your shoulders down during the imaging scans. This is to make sure your shoulders are out of the area of the scan. During the scan(s), you will hear the machine turn on and off.
What is the best kind of radiation for breast cancer?
External beam radiation is the most common kind of radiation treatment for breast cancer. It’s a painless treatment, like getting an X-ray. A doctor will place a machine on the outside of your body and aim the radiation beams at the area of the cancer.
What are the risks of breast cancer radiation?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer can result in shrinking of breast tissue and changes in skin appearance. Radiation may cause scar tissue buildup which results in the breast feeling hard. Shrinkage of breast tissue is one of the more common breast cancer radiation side effects.
What is radiation therapy best for breast cancer?
Conformal Radiation.
What type of radiation is used for breast cancer?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of radiation therapy used to treat breast cancer: external beam radiation and brachytherapy (also known as internal radiation therapy). Each has its specific purpose and indications.
