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Does a radiated breast feel different?

Page last modified on: October 20, 2008
Question from Nett: After one breast has been radiated, should they still feel similar?
Answers —Cecilia Brennecke, M.D.: Dr. Weiss is the expert on that, but in my experience it's very common that a radiated breast may be firmer after treatment.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: I agree. After breast preservation therapy, consisting of removal of the lump followed by radiation of the breast, the breast does feel somewhat different. There are changes associated with the surgery itself—the scar, the area where the tissue was removed from underneath. In addition, there tends to be fullness and sometimes a sense of heaviness that can persist for a significant period of time beyond completion of radiation.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Screening. Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about mammograms, ultrasound, MRI, breast self-exams, physical exams by a doctor, and other topics related to breast cancer screening.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D.Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D. is a radiologist and medical director at Johns Hopkins at Greenspring in Baltimore, Maryland. As a breast imaging specialist, she interprets mammography, performs ultrasound and breast MRI, conducts clinical breast exams, and performs the newest image-guided biopsy procedures.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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