Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
THE ROLE OF RADIATION THERAPY IN BREAST CANCER
2
Objectives Your cancer therapy “Journey” Why Radiation? Step by Step
Side Effects Follow Up
3
The Patient’s Journey After a positive diagnosis of cancer is made, the patient is referred to the Cancer Centre The patient receives a letter in the mail for a New Patient Appointment: Extensive history and physical done by nurse and doctor
4
The Patient’s Journey The patient is then referred to the Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic. Team Approach -each case is discussed in rounds prior to each discipline meeting with the patient The best course of treatment for each patient is decided
5
Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic: A Team Approach
Includes: Radiation Oncology Medical Oncology Surgery Pathology Supportive Care Social Worker Dietician Genetics Nurse
6
Radiation Therapy Many Reasons Breast Conserving Surgery
Reduces the need for Mastectomy May be used in very large tumours Making surgery easier Reduces the risk of recurrence In Patients with Mastectomy
7
Why Radiation Therapy? Uses high energy x-rays to destroy microscopic disease that may be left behind after surgery and/or chemo REDUCES THE RISK OF LOCAL RECURRENCE
8
Radiation Therapy after Mastectomy
Depends on several factors: Number of lymph nodes involved Tumour size and characteristics Margin status after surgery
9
A Patient’s Journey Through the Radiation Therapy Department
10
Radiation Therapy Department
11
1. Simulation Appointment
Patient education by RT CT Scan done treatment position Reference marks (Tattoos) Time 1 hour
12
CT SIMULATION
13
2. Target Definition Done on computer
Critical structures outlined on CT images by radiation therapist - spinal cord, lung, heart Radiation Oncologist places radiation beams to cover the treatment area
14
Critical Structures and Target Definition
15
3. Treatment Planning Info sent electronically
planning department Custom radiation treatment plan Complex Takes up to 2 weeks
16
Treatment Plan
17
Treatment Plan
18
Treatment Plan
19
4. Dry Run on Treatment Unit
Patient set-up using reference tattoos put on at time of simulation Measurements verified X-ray pictures (check films) taken of all treatment fields
20
Linear Accelerator
21
World Leader
22
X-Ray Pictures taken on Treatment Machine
Careful QA process
23
5. Treatment Begins Standard: up to 25 treatments Takes ~ 15 min total
Daily, Monday-Friday Takes ~ 15 min total set-up 5-10 minutes radiation on ~ 3 minutes
24
Treatment Patients are alone in room Patients closely monitored
During treatment Reduce life time exposure to Staff Patients closely monitored Video camera Intercom
25
Treatment Do not see or feel anything NOT radioactive
26
Acute Side Effects Begin after 2-3 weeks Skin Reaction Swelling Pain
Not everyone reacts the same All side effects are in the treated area Continue after treatment is complete. Skin Reaction Swelling Pain Fatigue
27
SKIN REACTION Often worse in areas of friction Under breast In axilla
28
SKIN REACTION Erythema Dry Desquamation Moist Desquamation
29
6 weeks following left breast
30
6 weeks following right breast
31
SKIN REACTION ADVICE Gentle washing with mild soap Unscented creams
Dove, Baby soap Unscented creams Lubriderm, Glaxal Base Hydrocortisone cream Allow air to get at the area Loose, comfortable clothing Avoid sun exposure Deodorant – OK unless skin irritated Use electric razor if shaving underarm
32
SWELLING Breast may Irritation / pain in area of scar Advice:
swell slightly become tender Irritation / pain in area of scar Advice: Tylenol, Advil or Tylenol #3 NO heating pads / ice packs
33
FATIGUE Usually mild Light exercise and fresh air Frequent rests
Worse in patients w/ chemo Light exercise and fresh air Frequent rests Well balanced diet Stress management techniques Fatigue booklet & video available
34
Assessment Daily – Radiation Therapist Weekly Urgent Appointments
Radiation Oncologist Nurse Urgent Appointments if necessary
35
Late Toxicities Hypo / hyper-pigmentation skin Telangiectasia
Lymphedema Radiation Pneumonitis (<2% risk) Costochondritis Heart toxicity –left side
36
FOLLOW UP Appointments with Oncologist: Every 3 months for years 1-2
Annually
37
FOLLOW UP Annual bilateral mammogram Physical Exam
Other follow up tests -Blood work -X-Ray -CT scan -Ultrasound
38
QUESTIONS?
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.