Breast radiotherapy side-effects

Skin changes

Short-term skin changes can include breast or nipple soreness, changes to the appearance of the skin (for example, a change in colour) and peeling, flaking skin in the treated area or on the nipple.

Hyperpigmentation and broken veins

Hyperpigmentation is where the skin on the treated area becomes darker. A pattern of tiny broken veins called telangiectasia may also be visible on your skin. These changes are usually permanent.

Swelling

Your breast may start to swell a little during your radiotherapy treatment and it may look swollen for a month or 2 after treatment. This is due to fluid retention (oedema). In rare cases it may last longer.

Hardening or thickening of the breast tissue

This can happen months or years after treatment. If this happens your breast will feel harder and look smaller than before treatment.

You might have brief shooting pains in this area, which are caused by the radiotherapy irritating or causing swelling in the tissues there.

Over-the-counter painkillers should ease any pain. But let your medical team know if the pain is bothering you or it carries on for more than a few weeks after treatment.

It is normal to have restricted arm movement after breast surgery and/or radiotherapy. Your surgeon, radiation therapist or physiotherapist can give you advice about exercises you should do to manage this and improve your range of movement.

If you have radiotherapy to your breast area, you are at risk of developing lymphoedema. This is a swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in your tissues. If you notice swelling anywhere on your arm, hand or breast area, talk to your nurse, doctor or radiation therapist for advice. Ask to be referred to a trained lymphoedema therapist.

We have more information on lymphoedema