How soon after lumpectomy does radiation begin? how long is radiation treatment if stage 1 ductal breast cancer or dcis?

3-5 weeks: It depends on healing after lumpectomy, but radiation generally starts about 4 weeks later. Radiation generally takes 6-7 weeks to complete.

Depends on RX : We usually begin brachytherapy within 3 weeks after surgery (duration: 5 days). External beam rt usually begins within 6 weeks (assuming chemo unnecessary) and may last 4-7 weeks depending on the protocol.

The use of chemo: Is the biggest cause of space between surgery and radiotherapy, and even t1 lesions can be triple negative or indicate chemo. There are some methods to do the radiotherapy at the time of resection (xoft intra-op), and partial breast. The usual for exteral beam is 4 weeks.

Immediately: For women with stage I breast cancer and for many with DCIS (Stage 0), Intraoperative radiotherapy can be administered to the breast immediately following lumpectomy while the patient is still under anesthesia. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and completely replaces the need for post-operative radiation for most women. I have been performing this procedure since 2006. www.drholmesmd.com