The physicians of ARC have significant expertise in treating patients following a mastectomy using technology such as Intensity Modulate Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to reduce the dose of radiation to the lungs and the heart.
Radiation is used after a mastectomy in certain cases where, even after surgery, the risk of microscopic disease in the chest wall or lymph node regions remains high. Typically, if the initial tumor was larger than 4-5 cm or if lymph nodes were involved following the mastectomy, the patient should be referred to the Radiation Oncologist to discuss the benefits of radiation in the post-mastectomy setting.
If a woman has had a breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, radiation therapy can still be used safely in this situation if it necessary. ARC physician, Dr. Jigna Desai Jhaveri, a well-known Radiation Oncologist and expert in the metropolitan New York area has published data showing the safety of performing radiation in patients who have had a breast reconstruction and outlining the best timing of this procedure with radiotherapy.
Next --> Side effects of breast radiation
