discolor from radiation on breast cancer?

Question

had radiation treatment for breast cancer how long does discolor last

Answer 1

Side effects of radiation therapy-

The side effects of radiation have improved considerably over the past decades. Aside from general fatigue caused by the healthy tissue repairing itself there will probably be no side effects at all. Some patients do develop a suntan-like change in skin color in the exact area being treated. As with a suntan, this darkening of the skin will fade with time. Other side effects experienced with radiation are:

- reddening of the skin
- muscle stiffness
- mild swelling
- tenderness in the area
- long-term shrinking of the irradiated breast

Along with improved cosmetic outcome of treatment with radiation there are also other techniques for delivering radiation to the breast. One such new technology is using IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) which the radiation oncologist can change the shape and intensity of the radiation beam at different points across and inside the breast. This allows for an even more focused beam of radiation directed at the tumor cells and leaving most of the healthy tissue unaffected by the radiation

Another new procedure involves a type of brachytherapy where a radioactive source is temporarily placed inside the breast in direct contact with the tumor bed (area where tumor was removed). This technique is called a Mammosite and is currently undergoing clinic trials-.

Answer 2

Well, for me it was a little different. I started out having this rectangle light brown patch which lasted about a year or so. Now, the area that was radiated is still a little tan, but I have all these little red vein-like marks on the area. I had radiation two years ago, but I have a feeling that these red marks aren't going to go away. Maybe it depends on how badly you burned. Mine was pretty nasty, I blistered and bled...oh my lord, that was worse than chemo was for me. I guess time will tell. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Greetings fellow survivor. For me, it took about a year for the color to return to normal. Now all I can see are the tattoos. Best of luck to you!

Answer 4

i had radiation in 2000, i still have an egg shaped tan colored spot that doesn't want to fade away. it is more noticable to me than it is to my hubby, he says he doesn't even see it. lol...........hang in there, it will lighten up til it is almost gone.

Answer 5

had that too. it will get liter, but will never go away.

Answer 6

does it make your joints ache