Prone breast radiotherapy in a patient with early stage breast cancer and a large pendulous breast

Tumori. 2009 May-Jun;95(3):394-7. doi: 10.1177/030089160909500323.

Abstract

In women with large and pendulous breasts postoperative radiotherapy in the supine position could represent a technical challenge because of the resulting dose inhomogeneity and the large amount of lung and heart receiving a high percentage of the prescribed dose. Breast-conserving surgery is therefore relatively contraindicated in these patients. Alternative positions for radiation therapy treatment have been proposed, and prone breast irradiation in particular has been recognized as a useful alternative to conventional treatment in the supine position. We report the case of a large-breasted patient treated in prone position in our radiation therapy division.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy, Segmental
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prone Position*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted / adverse effects
  • Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Skin / radiation effects