Can radiation for breast cancer cause throat problems

What are the side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?

If you’re getting radiation therapy to the breast. If you have radiation to the breast, it can affect your heart or lungs as well causing other side effects. Short-term side effects. Radiation to the breast can cause: Skin irritation, dryness, and color changes; Breast soreness; Breast swelling from fluid build-up (lymphedema)

What are some mouth and throat problems during cancer treatment?

Mouth and Throat Problems during Cancer Treatment. Cancer treatments may cause dental, mouth, and throat problems. Radiation therapy to the head and neck may harm the salivary glands and tissues in your mouth and/or make it hard to chew and swallow safely. Some types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy can also harm cells in your mouth, throat,…

Does radiotherapy for breast cancer cause heart disease?

Radiation, on its own or coupled with other treatments, has given many women like my mother the chance to survive their breast cancer. Yet years later, some of these women are encountering a residual side effect from their radiation—heart disease.

What are the side effects of radiotherapy on the chest?

Radiation treatment to the chest may cause side effects such as: Radiation can also cause other problems in the heart or lungs. Getting radiation to the middle portion of the chest can raise your risk of heart disease. This risk increases with higher radiation doses and larger treatment areas in this part of your body.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?

The main short-term side effects of external beam radiation therapy to the breast are: Swelling in the breast. Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin) Fatigue.

Can radiation for breast cancer cause difficulty swallowing?

For example, people who have mouth sores (mucositis) due to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy to the head and neck may have pain when swallowing. Many people who are getting radiation therapy to the head and neck area also have dry mouth due to reduced saliva which can make swallowing difficult.

How does radiation affect the throat?

Radiotherapy for cancer in the head or neck area can cause swelling and soreness in the throat. Your throat might be very sore and you may find it difficult to swallow solid food (dysphagia). Whether you have problems swallowing depends on which part of the head or neck you are having treatment to.

Can breast cancer affect your throat?

A dry scratchiness in your throat and pain when swallowing can make it hard to eat or get a good night’s sleep. Usually caused by a cold or the flu, a sore throat also can be a side effect of some breast cancer treatments.

Can breast radiation damage the esophagus?

Radiotherapy for breast cancer may expose the esophagus to ionizing radiation, but no study has evaluated esophageal cancer risk after breast cancer associated with radiation dose or systemic therapy use.

When will my throat heal after radiation?

The inflammation and soreness usually last for seven to 10 days after radiation therapy treatment to your chest or back has ended or two to three weeks after treatment to your head and neck has ended.

What does radiation esophagitis feel like?

Radiation esophagitis is typically an adverse effect that develops in individuals receiving radiation cancer therapy, most commonly for breast, lung, and other lymphomas. Symptoms present two to three weeks after the initial therapy and include throat pain, dysphagia, and the sensation that food is stuck.

How long does radiation esophagitis last?

The discomfort usually lasts through your radiation therapy treatment. Most patients will start to notice an improvement in these symptoms about 2 weeks after they are done therapy, as the tissue begins to heal. In most patients, the esophagitis has completely resolved by 4-6 weeks after radiation therapy has finished.

How long does it take to fully recover from radiation therapy?

Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment. But some side effects may continue after treatment is over because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Late side effects can happen months or years after treatment.

What does throat cancer feel like in the beginning?

Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly. Difficulty swallowing. Ear pain. A lump or sore that doesn’t heal.

What type breast cancer has the highest recurrence rate?

Research suggests that estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is more likely to come back more than five years after diagnosis.

What are the signs that breast cancer has spread?

Symptoms if cancer has spread to the lungsa cough that doesn’t go away.shortness of breath.ongoing chest infections.weight loss.chest pain.coughing up blood.a build up of fluid between the chest wall and the lung (a pleural effusion)

How long does radiation induced dysphagia last?

In a longitudinal follow-up study involving 71 patients with oropharyngeal cancer, the patient-reported outcome demonstrated rapidly recovery of swallowing function by 10 weeks following the proton-based therapy.

Does radiation cause dysphagia?

But following radiation for these cancers some people develop difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), because the radiation can causes the muscles and mucosal lining of the mouth, throat, and esophagus to become stiff and deformed. Swallowing becomes effortful and painful.

What does it mean when a cancer patient has trouble swallowing?

Some side effects of cancer treatment may also cause swallowing difficulties: Fibrosis, which is scarring or stiffness in the throat, esophagus, or mouth. Infections of the mouth or esophagus. These may happen after radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

When should I be worried about trouble swallowing?

See your health care provider if you regularly have difficulty swallowing or if weight loss, regurgitation or vomiting accompanies your dysphagia. If an obstruction interferes with breathing, call for emergency help immediately.

What type of radiation is used for breast cancer?

There are two main types of radiation therapy for breast cancer: 1 external beam radiation 2 brachytherapy, or internal radiation

What are the side effects of radiation?

These changes occur in the area being treated by the radiation. It’s similar to a sunburn, and can include: soreness. blisters. peeling. redness and itching. darkening of the skin.

How to prepare for radiation therapy?

Talk with your doctor. Before starting radiation therapy, talk with your doctor about what to expect before, during, and after each therapy session. Ask them about possible side effects, how to reduce your risk of them, and best treatments. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you be prepared. During and after radiation therapy, tell …

What are the side effects of interstitial brachytherapy?

Side effects can include: redness at the treatment site. breast pain. infection. damage to fatty tissues. collection of fluid in the breast.

What is external beam radiation?

external beam radiation. brachytherapy, or internal radiation. Each type has several subtypes, mainly differing in how the radiation is delivered to the body. Your doctor will discuss the types of radiation and which one (s) are most appropriate for you.

Can radiation therapy be used alone?

Radiation therapy is a common part of breast cancer treatment. It may be used alone, or in conjunction with other therapies. As with any kind of medical procedure, there can be side effects. Side effects can vary, depending on the kind of radiation therapy you have and your individual response to it. Knowing what to expect, and potential side …

Is radiation good for breast cancer?

Radiation for breast cancer is a common part of treatment plans. It does carry the risk of side effects, many of which are manageable.

What causes mouth and throat problems?

Cancer treatments may cause mouth, throat, and dental problems. Radiation therapy to the head and neck may harm the salivary glands and tissues in your mouth and/or make it hard to chew and swallow safely. Some types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy can also harm cells in your mouth, throat, and lips. Drugs used to treat cancer and certain bone problems may also cause oral problems.

How to make your throat sore?

Your health care team may suggest that you take these and other steps to manage these problems: For a sore mouth or throat: Choose foods that are soft, wet, and easy to swallow. Soften dry foods with gravy, sauce, or other liquids. Use a blender to make milkshakes or blend your food to make it easier to swallow.

How to get cancer treatment?

Get a dental check-up before starting treatment. Before you start treatment, visit your dentist for a cleaning and check-up. Tell the dentist about your cancer treatment and try to get any dental work completed before starting treatment. Check and clean your mouth daily.

Why is it so hard to swallow?

infections and mouth sores. pain or swelling in your mouth ( oral mucositis) sensitivity to hot or cold foods. swallowing problems ( dysphagia) tooth decay ( cavities) Mouth problems are more serious if they interfere with eating and drinking because they can lead to dehydration and/or malnutrition.

How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?

Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.

How long do side effects last after radiation treatment?

Early side effects happen during or shortly after treatment. These side effects tend to be short-term, mild, and treatable. They’re usually gone within a few weeks after treatment ends. The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area.

How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?

Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.

What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?

The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.

What are the side effects of brachytherapy?

If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.

How long does it take for side effects to show up after radiation?

Some side effects might show up quickly, but others might not show up until 1 to 2 years after treatment. Talk with your radiation oncologist about what to watch for and when to call your doctor. If the cancer is in many areas, sometimes the whole brain is treated with radiation.

What to do if you have a sore throat for a week?

It could be anything! The first thing to do is to go to the doctor and have a swab done to rule out bacterial infection. If you’ve had this sore throat for a week or more, then you need to have it biopsied for cancer.

What is advanced breast cancer support?

The Advanced Breast Cancer Support Community connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration. This community is sponsored by the Advanced Breast Cancer Community, an Inspire trusted partner.

Can you have a tracheotomy on your mother?

Yes it can. I just lost my mother on July 28th due to a growth in her throat that eventually closed her airway. The only option she had left on July 26th was to do a tracheotomy while she was awake. She refused it and she left us 2 days later. The had offered to perform radiation on that spot during the first and second week of July, but she refused that too. I noticed the coughing, hoarseness, and swallowing problems worsened over a period of 8 months.

What to do before radiation for breast cancer?

Before having radiation for breast cancer, a woman should have a discussion with her oncologist—as well as her cardiologist. Ask the oncologist what dose of radiation you’ll be getting, and how your heart will be protected during treatment. Talk to your cardiologist about your existing heart risks, and how to reduce them.

How long does it take for radiation to affect the heart?

The heart effects of radiation begin emerging as soon as five years after treatment, according to a large European study out earlier this year in The New England Journal of Medicine.

What is proton therapy?

Proton therapy—a relatively new radiation treatment that uses particles instead of traditional x-rays —can also lower a woman’s exposure, but very few centers currently offer this treatment. “In the future, this will probably be the dominant way to spare the heart,” Dr. Taghian says.

What does “I wish everything concerning the treatment for breast cancer was open and true” mean?

I wish everything concerning the treatment for breast cancer was open and true.When one is fighting for their life,she wants the very best care and treatment.#N#When one is fighting for her life or extra time,she deserves the very best care and treatment.Thank-you for the Proton Therapy information

What was my mother’s goal when she was treated for breast cancer?

When my mother was treated for breast cancer several years ago, she had just one objective in mind: to eradicate the cancer. For her, radiation therapy was the best way to do that.

Can you protect your heart from cancer?

Though you may not be able to fully protect your heart from cancer treatment, there are other lifestyle-based heart disease risks you can control. In the JAMA research letter, women who were least likely to develop heart disease were those who were already at low risk based on their cholesterol, blood pressure, and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) levels. “Make sure the blood pressure is under control, you’re not smoking, you have a healthy lifestyle, and you control your cholesterol,” Dr. Moslehi advises.

Is radiation one size fits all?

Protecting women from the side effects of radiation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. “I don’t think there is one method to fit all patients,” he says. “The bottom line is we have to try the optimal method for each patient to avoid exposing the heart.”.