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Results
By Mayo Clinic staffAfter radiation therapy is over, your radiation oncologist will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress, look for late side effects, and check for signs of cancer recurrence. Although follow-up visits become less frequent the longer you're cancer-free, you're likely to have periodic visits for the rest of your life with your medical oncologist to check for cancer recurrence.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience:
- Persistent pain
- New lumps, bruises, rashes, swelling or bleeding
- Persistent digestive complaints such as appetite changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- A fever or cough that doesn't go away
- Any other bothersome symptoms
References
- Breast cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/index. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Pierce LJ. Techniques and complications of breast and chest wall irradiation for early stage breast cancer. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Sabel MS, et al. Role of radiation therapy in breast conservation therapy. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Pierce LJ. Postmastectomy chest wall irradiation. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Moataz NE, et al. Radiation techniques for locally advanced breast cancer. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Understanding radiation therapy. American Society of Clinical Oncology. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Features/Treatments%2C+Tests%2C+and+Procedures/Understanding+Radiation+Therapy. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Radiation therapy and you: Support for people with cancer. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/radiation-therapy-and-you/page1. Accessed July 25, 2010.
- Side effects of radiation therapy. American Society of Clinical Oncology. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Features/Side+Effects/Side+Effects+of+Radiation+Therapy. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Radiation therapy-What to expect. American Society of Clinical Oncology. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Features/Treatments%2C+Tests%2C+and+Procedures/Radiation+Therapy%26mdash%3BWhat+to+Expect. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Breast cancer treatment (PDQ): Health professional version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/breast/HealthProfessional. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Brachytherapy. American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=brachy. Accessed July 25, 2010.
- Radiation therapy. Breast Cancer Network of Strength. http://www.networkofstrength.org/information/treatment/radiation.php. Accessed July 25, 2010.
- Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Aug 1, 2010.
- Schomberg PJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Aug 11, 2010.
- Smith BD, et al. Accelerated partial breast irradiation consensus statement from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 2009;209:269.
- Vaidya JS, et al. Targeted intraoperative radiotherapy versus whole breast radiotherapy for breast cancer (TARGIT-A trial): an international, prospective, randomised, non-inferiority phase 3 trial. The Lancet. 2010;376:91.
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