Radiation treatment to the chest may cause swallowing problems, cough, or shortness of breath. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any of these side effects.

If you get radiation therapy after surgery (such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy) for breast cancer, try to go without wearing a bra whenever you can. If this is not possible, wear a soft cotton bra without underwire so that your skin is not irritated. If your shoulders feel stiff, ask your doctor or nurse about exercises to keep your arms moving freely.

Other side effects may include breast soreness and swelling from fluid build-up in the treated area. These side effects most likely will go away a month or 2 after you finish radiation therapy. If fluid build-up continues to be a problem (a condition called lymphedema), ask your doctor what steps you can take. You can also call us or visit our Web site for more information on lymphedema.

Skin in the treated area may turn red or get darker. This will most likely fade 1 or 2 months after you finish radiation.

Radiation therapy after breast surgery may cause other long-term changes in the breast. Your skin may be slightly darker, and pores may be enlarged and more noticeable. The skin may be more or less sensitive and feel thicker and firmer than it was before your treatment. Sometimes the size of your breast changes -- it may become larger because of fluid build-up or smaller because of the development of fibrous tissue. Many women have little or no change in breast size. These side effects may continue for a year or longer after treatment.

If your treatment includes internal radiation implants, you might notice breast tenderness or tightness. After the implants are removed, you are likely to have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment. If so, follow the advice given above and let your doctor know about any problems that persist.

After 12 months, you should not have any new changes. If you do see changes in breast size, shape, appearance, or texture after this time, report them to your doctor right away.

When radiation treatments include the chest area, the lungs can be affected. One early change is a decrease in the levels of surfactant, the substance that helps keep the air passages open. This keeps the lungs from fully expanding, and may cause shortness of breath or cough. These symptoms are sometimes treated with steroids.

A possible late effect of radiation to the lungs is fibrosis (stiffening or scarring). When this happens, the lungs can no longer fully inflate and take in air. If a large area of the lungs is treated with radiation, these changes can cause shortness of breath and less tolerance for physical activity.

Last Medical Review: 12/23/2008
Last Revised: 12/23/2008