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Blood clots after radiation?

Page last modified on: September 19, 2008
Question from Jamie: I have recently developed blood clots under the breast that was radiated. Is this normal?
Answers —Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.: I think you are probably referring to Mondor's disease. This happens sometimes after surgery alone without radiation and is usually more a complication or side effect after surgery. You can also see this happen underneath the arm.

I have seen it on occasion, but much less frequently now that more women are getting sentinel lymph node procedures done as opposed to a standard dissection. This eventually will go away, but can be uncomfortable for a while. If you have any concerns, please point this out to your doctor.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Even though it's called a "disease," it just has that name because someone noted it and assigned it a name. As Dr. Komarnicky said, it's usually mild and does go away.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Radiation Therapy Updates. Lydia T. Komarnicky, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in radiation therapy: the newest and best techniques, combining radiation therapy with other treatments, ways to manage, reduce or eliminate side effects, and more.

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

Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.Lydia Komarnicky, M.D. is a Philadelphia-trained physician and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

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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