Breast swelling after breast-conserving radiotherapy for breast cancer
Apr 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Xiaopeng
Introduction
Breast swelling after breast-conserving radiotherapy for breast cancer may be caused by liquefaction of tumor cells, and can be alleviated through medication or physical therapy. Breast cancer is generally triggered by factors such as genetic predisposition and endocrine disorders, leading to tumor cells invading normal tissues. Breast-conserving radiotherapy aims to eliminate cancer cells while preserving normal tissue.
Breast swelling after breast-conserving radiotherapy for breast cancer may be caused by liquefaction of tumor cells, which can be alleviated through medication or physical therapy.
1. Medication
Breast cancer is generally triggered by factors such as genetic predisposition and endocrine disorders, leading to tumor cells invading normal tissues. Breast-conserving radiotherapy aims to eliminate tumor cells while preserving healthy tissue. This process may cause the destroyed tumor cells to liquefy and accumulate in the body, resulting in edema and subsequent breast swelling. Patients can follow medical advice to take medications such as furosemide tablets, torasemide tablets, or bumetanide tablets, which have diuretic effects that promote the elimination of excess fluid from the body and help relieve breast swelling.
2. Physical Therapy
In addition to medication, patients may also apply gentle massage and warm compresses to the breast area to improve local circulation and facilitate the removal of liquefied tumor cell debris. However, care should be taken during massage to avoid applying excessive pressure, which could lead to severe pain from compressing breast tissue.
Patients experiencing breast swelling are advised to maintain a positive mindset throughout treatment.
