Radiation is a central part of breast-conserving treatment and is often used after mastectomy — delivered to reduce the chance of the cancer returning, while protecting the heart and lungs.
For most women treated with breast-conserving surgery, radiation to the breast is a standard part of the cure — and modern planning has made it markedly safer for the heart and lungs than it once was.
Radiation is most commonly given after lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), and after mastectomy in selected cases — for example where the tumour was large or lymph nodes were involved. It targets any microscopic disease left behind, lowering the risk of local recurrence.
Treatment is planned from a CT scan and delivered as a series of short, painless daily sessions over several weeks (shorter, “hypofractionated” schedules are appropriate for many patients). Techniques such as IMRT and image guidance shape the dose to the breast or chest wall.
Most patients continue their normal routine through treatment. Side effects are usually limited to skin changes and tiredness that build gradually and settle after treatment ends. Dr. Bhatnagar will explain your specific plan and what to watch for.
Most patients receive a course of daily sessions from Monday to Friday over roughly three to five weeks. Many are suitable for a shorter, hypofractionated schedule. Your exact number is decided after the planning CT, and Dr. Bhatnagar will tell you at your consultation.
The treatment itself is painless — it feels like having an X-ray, and each session takes only a few minutes. Skin over the treated area may become pink, dry or itchy in the later weeks, and most people feel more tired than usual.
This is a fair concern, and modern planning addresses it directly. Heart-sparing techniques, including breath-hold where indicated, keep the dose to the heart and lungs very low compared with older methods.
Most patients continue their normal routine. Tiredness builds gradually and usually settles a few weeks after treatment ends.
Often yes. Radiation after breast-conserving surgery treats any microscopic disease left behind and substantially lowers the chance of the cancer returning in the breast.
General information, not a substitute for a consultation. Your plan depends on your reports, stage and general health — discuss your case with Dr. Bhatnagar.
Bring your reports and scans for a consultation — he will tell you plainly whether radiation has a role.
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