Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a process that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. Radiation done after surgery can kill cancer cells that may not be seen during surgery. Radiation may also be done prior to surgery to shrink the tumor or in combination with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is also very useful in extending the long-term survival in women with lymph-node positive breast cancer.

There are various ways to deliver radiation therapy. However, external radiation is the usual type that is used for treatment of breast cancer. Types of radiation therapy include:

• External radiation (external beam therapy) - a treatment that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. The machine is controlled by the radiation therapist. Since radiation is used to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors, special shields may be used to protect the tissue surrounding the treatment area. Radiation treatments are painless and usually last a few minutes.
• Internal radiation (brachytherapy, implant radiation) - radiation is given inside the body as close to the cancer as possible. Substances that produce radiation, called radio-isotopes, may be implanted directly into the breast tumor. Internal radiation involves giving a higher dose of radiation in a shorter time span than with external radiation. Internal radiation for breast cancer is currently being studied and is considered experimental.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) - new technology under study uses a special probe to deliver high-energy radio waves to destroy the tumor cells.

A radiation oncologist will plan your radiation treatment based on your medical history, a physical examination, pathology and laboratory reports, and previous mammograms and surgeries.

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