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How do you explain the risks and benefits of palliative radiation therapy to patients with fungating breast masses?

Patients are understandably concerned about the risks and benefits of radiation to an oozing, bleeding, and ulcerated breast.
2 Answers
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Radiation Oncology · Varian Medical Systems/Allegheny health network
Answered on

The value of palliative RT in these patients is to dry up oozing and bleeding and RT is very effective in achieving that goal. I have had success in these patients almost all the time and my usual dose is 30-39 Gy in 10-13 fractions.

This study gives a prospective dataset for fractionation and pallia...

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Mednet Member
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Radiation Oncology · Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
Answered on

I agree with Dr. @Dr. First Last. The other benefit can be reducing the risk of infection. I have gone as quickly as 20/5 but routinely use 30/10 with excellent effect.

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