After effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?

Cure (we hope): Radiation therapy is a very effective way to "sterilize" the breast after lumpectomy, reducing the chance of cancer coming back in the breast. Modern techniques allow the radiation oncologist to target the breast & minimize exposure elsewhere, namely the lungs & heart. Depending on breast size & smoking history, some people will have more breast scarring than others; most people are satisfied.

Side effects include: Acute effects include erythema hyperpigmentation of skin, moist desquamation of skin long term effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer include: radiation fibrosis of lung lymphedema of the affected side upper extremity myocardial injury hypothyroidism brachial plexus injury risk of second neoplasm (radiation induced malignancy).