The role of radiation therapy in the loco-regional treatment of breast cancer.
After having briefly considered the role of irradiation in the loco-regional therapy of breast cancer, the role of irradiation as a treatment modality aimed at conserving the breast is emphasized. A total of 457 patients were treated either by tumorectomy plus irradiation by 60Co (101 cases) or by primary irradiation (356 cases) with a follow-up of over 5 years. The results are encouraging and similar to those obtained by more standard treatments, particularly by surgery. Among the patients cured, 2 out of 3 have kept their breast with a satisfactory esthetic quality. However, the author insists on the difficulties presented by the irradiation technique, on the necessity of a close cooperation between the surgeon and the radiotherapist, and on the importance of a regular and frequent clinical, mammographic, and thermographic follow-up.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008408:Mastectomy; D008722:Methods; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012008:Recurrence; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013997:Time Factors