Radiation therapy is offered with lumpectomy in early breast cancer. The combination is equivalent in long term results tos mastectomy. Radiation is used also in more advanced breast cancer along with surgery and chemotherapy.
A typical course of radiotherapy for early non-aggressive breast cancer (ductal) may involve 16 treatments over three (3) weeks. Longer courses up to six (6) weeks may be necessary for other cancers. Single treatment radiotherapy: intra-operative radiotherapy:
Radiotherapists in 2007 in England reported a study where they used a single dose of radiotherapy lasting less than thirty minutes administered immediately after lumpectomy and before the wound is closed by the surgeon. Waiting lists in Britain for radiotherapy can be many weeks or months, so they foresaw earlier treatment for suitable cases and a shortening of the waiting list. This treatment is not suitable for lobular cancer.
Normally a weaker dose of radiation is given over several weeks to avoid burning normal tissue. In this procedure the radiation is delivered directly to the cancer site and a total dose can be given immediately. When this becomes the standard practice it will save time and money, and reduce side effects especially burns. Radiation side effects
