Conservative treatment of breast cancer: modified irradiation technique for women with large breasts

Radiother Oncol. 1994 Jun;31(3):256-61. doi: 10.1016/0167-8140(94)90432-4.

Abstract

Seven patients with large, pendulous breasts received external beam irradiation to the whole breast (50 Gy in 25 fractions plus boost) after lumpectomy. A special breast holding mask was shaped for each patient. Three-dimensional treatment plans and dose-volume histograms of the same patient with and without a mask were compared. Day-to-day variance was checked. This technique provides improvements in dose homogeneity, reproducibility, and sparing of normal tissues. Cosmetic outcome at present is good.

MeSH terms

  • Breast / anatomy & histology
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy, Segmental
  • Models, Structural
  • Radiometry
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Radiotherapy, High-Energy