Under what circumstances does breast cancer require radiotherapy

Breast cancer patients usually need radiotherapy when the tumor is large or the sentinel lymph node biopsy is positive. Radiotherapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence and improve the treatment effect.

1. Large tumor volume: When the tumor volume of breast cancer patients is large, surgery may not be able to completely remove the tumor. At this time, radiotherapy can be used as a supplement to help eliminate residual cancer cells. Sometimes, doctors may also recommend simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which needs to be determined based on the patient's physical condition. In this case, radiotherapy is like a "scavenger" to help clean up those "stubborn elements" that surgery cannot reach.

2. Positive sentinel lymph node biopsy: The sentinel lymph node is the first stop where cancer cells may metastasize. When the biopsy result is positive, it means that the cancer cells may have begun to spread. At this time, postoperative radiotherapy can reduce the risk of recurrence, especially in the absence of axillary lymph node dissection, radiotherapy is particularly important. If the lump is located in the central or medial quadrant of the breast, preventive irradiation of the internal mammary lymph nodes is also necessary. This is like setting up "roadblocks" on the road where cancer cells may pass to prevent them from spreading further.

3. Benefits of postoperative radiotherapy: The main purpose of radiotherapy is to reduce the chance of local recurrence. For some high-risk patients, postoperative radiotherapy can significantly improve the survival rate. The role of radiotherapy is like cleaning a room, making sure every corner is cleaned to prevent dust from accumulating again.

4. Life precautions during radiotherapy: Patients receiving radiotherapy should eat light food and avoid spicy food. Maintain good living habits, go to the hospital for regular checkups, and monitor physical conditions. At the same time, moderate exercise and a good mental state can also help improve the treatment effect. Just like running a marathon, maintaining a steady rhythm and a good state can help you go further.

5. Personalized treatment plan: Each breast cancer patient has a different condition and physical condition, so a personalized treatment plan is needed. The doctor will develop the most appropriate treatment plan based on the type, size, location of the tumor and the patient's overall health. During the treatment process, the patient should actively communicate with the doctor to understand the purpose and effect of each step of treatment.

Radiotherapy plays an important role in breast cancer treatment, helping patients better control their disease and improve their quality of life. With proper treatment and good living habits, patients can better cope with the challenges brought by the disease.