Will radiation cause heart trouble?
My surgeon has scheduled me for a lumpectomy on Friday. From what I've read, that would mean radiation treatments. I've also read that radiation treatments have the potential of causing serious heart problems down the road. I already have mitral valve prolapse. Should I insist on a mastectomy instead to avoid radiation? I don't need to worry every day that something else is going to happen to me.
Hi - There is evidence that radiation delivered during the 1970s-1980s increased the risk of heart disease, when it was delivered to surrounding chest areas (chest wall, etc.), rather than just breast tissue. However, there hasn't been enough time to determine if more recent radiation has also increased the risk of cardiovascular disease. While the techniques for delivering it have certainly improved, I'd definitely express your concerns to the radiologist, and have a thorough discussion about your options, lumpectomy vs. mastectomy. Best of luck to you - PJH
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It is my beleive (and experience even) that even if you had a mastecomty vs. a lumpectomy that you would possibly be facing radiation as radiation is a localized treatment used to kill any potentially "missed" cells from growing and having a recurrence. Chemotherapy is a systematic treatment used to treat the whole body for rogue cells and eliminate them before they grow.
As a current radiation patient, I know there are lots of risks they go over with you - but they MUST tell you ALL the risks associated with a treatment.
First and foremost, I would bring up your condition to a radiation oncologist prior to surgery (if possible), as well as going over it with your surgeon, as they should all be on the same page. My breast surgeon consulted with my plastic surgeon (I was half way through breast reconstruction when he found that my cancer returned) and both my medical and radiation oncologist. my radiation oncologist had my surgeon place markers within my chest wall so he would know exactly where treatment should be given. So if possible TRY to get all your doctors on the same page prior to surgery.
Also, though radiation does carry some risks, they truly aren't as bad as they were 10 years ago. Radiation has come a LONG way. It is more refined and exact now than ever before - AND it gets better all the time as new studies and research becomes available.
So go ahead and see about scheduling some emergency appointments - or at least make the calls and talk with your doctors. I'm sure they will answer your questions and try to set your mind at ease!
Best of luck to you!
Angi
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