A 44-year-old member asked:
Is it common to have muscle/joint problems after having radiotherapy for breast cancer?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Geisleranswered
Gynecologic Oncology 27 years experience
Myalgias: Myalgias are common after treatment for a cancer. However, you shoul see your primary care physician to make sure nothing else is taking place.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 34 years experience
No. : Most of the effects of breast irradiation are limited to the breast +/- the chest wall; less so, the chest cavity. The most common systemic side effect is transient lethargy.(tiredness) muscle/joint aches are uncommon; check with your oncologist or internist for other causes.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lawrence Hochmananswered
Radiation Oncology 31 years experience
No: Symptoms outside of the radiated area are not related to radiation. Radiation therapy is like surgery in that it really only effects where it is pointed. Patients treated with radiation for breast cancer can have some soreness of the chest wall, some patients will have tenderness of the cartilage between the ribs and the sternum. Transient fatigue is the most common side effect.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 9, 2013
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