Breast Cancer RT side affects Flashcards
What percentage of cancer patients experience skin reactions from radiation therapy?
Up to 90% of cancer patients experience skin reactions.
When do radiation-related skin reactions typically appear?
Skin reactions usually appear within 1 to 4 weeks after radiation therapy initiation and can persist for several weeks after treatment completion.
What symptoms might patients experience from radiation-induced skin reactions?
Patients might have itching, dryness, pain, warmth, or burning of the skin.
What is moist desquamation, and how common is it?
Moist desquamation is when the skin blisters and peels to expose the dermis underneath, occurring in 30% to 50% of women receiving radiation therapy.
How should moist desquamation from radiation therapy be treated?
Hydrocolloid dressings should be used to prevent infection.
What are late-stage skin effects of radiation therapy?
Telangiectasia and fibrosis.
What increases a patient’s risk of skin toxicity from radiation therapy?
Smoking, large breast size, allergies, and endocrine therapy.
What should patients avoid using on irradiated skin?
Patients should avoid topical products with metallic bases (e.g., zinc oxide) as they increase skin surface dose.
What can help reduce skin toxicity from radiation therapy?
Quitting smoking can reduce skin toxicity.
What rare, late-stage adverse effect can occur within the radiation therapy portal?
The late development of a soft-tissue sarcoma (0.1% incidence).
What is the primary cause of pneumonitis associated with partial-breast irradiation?
Escalated dose to the ipsilateral lung (≥20 Gy).
How can pneumonitis from partial-breast irradiation be prevented?
Treatment plan modification to reduce lung dose.
How can rib fractures occur after radiation therapy?
Rib fractures occur in up to 5% of women, usually asymptomatically.
How can radiation therapy affect cardiac health?
Late cardiac toxicity is possible but rare, especially for women receiving chest wall radiation post-mastectomy.
What can be done to minimize late-stage cosmesis-related issues from partial-breast irradiation?
Careful boost volume planning can help avoid volume loss, retraction, and contour defects.
What factors contribute to fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy?
Medication side effects, sleep problems, mood disturbances, and treatment-related stress.
What pharmacologic treatment has shown potential for reducing cancer-related fatigue?
Methylphenidate, a dopamine enhancer, might help alleviate fatigue.
What are signs of lymphedema from radiation therapy?
Swelling, heaviness, and restricted motion in the affected limb.
What percentage of breast cancer patients report lymphedema within 12 months of treatment?
12% to 26%.
How should dry desquamation from radiation therapy be managed?
Keep the affected area moisturized.
