Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Radiation Therapy Questions about Radiation Therapy. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 5/4/2012 | Are thyroid shields necessary today for breast cancer radiation fields? If yes, when. Question why there was mention of thyroid shields in the past? If thyroid problems are a long term side effect of breast cancer radiation, what problems and what is the frequency? If thyroid problems are a long term side effect of breast cancer radiation, what steps can be taken to try to prevent this? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 5/4/2012 | thyroid problems have not been proven to be a long term side effect of radiation of the breast. Thyroid problems is a common problem however among women in general and breast cancer happens to 1 in 8 women over their lifetime. If shielding is needed based on the radiation field, the radiation oncologist will create that at the time of the simulation for preparing for radiation therapy. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.