According to global cancer statistics, breast cancer accounts for over 2.3 million new cases each year, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment, reducing recurrence and improving survival. But with several options available, understanding the types of radiation therapy for breast cancer is crucial. Dr. Mathangi J, a Senior Radiation Oncologist at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, offers state-of-the-art treatment customized to each patient's unique diagnosis and anatomy.
Dr. Mathangi is a renowned expert with over 15 years of experience in advanced radiation oncology. Trained in Germany, Denmark, and India, she leads the radiation department at Gleneagles Cancer Institute. She has treated over 12,000 patients and introduced Asia Pacific’s first TrueBeam STx Machine. Her specialties include brachytherapy breast cancer, SBRT, RapidArc, and 3D conformal radiation, making her one of the leading names in women’s cancer care.
Radiation therapy is categorized based on how the radiation is delivered. The main types of radiation therapy for breast cancer include external, internal, and specialized targeted approaches. Each method is tailored to tumor size, location, surgical margins, lymph node involvement, and patient health profile. Dr. Mathangi ensures every patient undergoes simulation-based planning to personalize the treatment protocol.
External beam radiation therapy is the most common technique, where high-energy rays are directed at the breast from outside the body. It can target the whole breast, chest wall, and regional lymph nodes. Dr. Mathangi employs advanced EBRT modalities such as:
Brachytherapy breast cancer treatment involves placing radioactive sources inside or next to the tumor bed. This internal method allows high-dose delivery in a short time span, reducing exposure to healthy tissues. It is usually performed after lumpectomy in early-stage patients. Dr. Mathangi uses image-guided, high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy to optimize safety and precision.
Partial breast irradiation treats only the portion of the breast where the tumor was located. It is suitable for patients with small, early-stage tumors and clear surgical margins. This approach minimizes side effects, and is often delivered as:
Dr. Mathangi assesses eligibility and uses cutting-edge planning tools to ensure complete coverage and dose uniformity.
Proton therapy for breast cancer is a newer, highly precise form of radiation that uses proton particles instead of photons. It’s beneficial for patients with left-sided cancers, reconstructed breasts, or genetic heart risks. Though availability is limited in India, Dr. Mathangi refers select patients to centers offering proton therapy when medically justified.
Intraoperative radiation (IORT) delivers a single dose of radiation during surgery, right after tumor removal. It is performed in the operating room using specialized equipment. IORT minimizes treatment time and is ideal for low-risk patients. Dr. Mathangi has received international training in IORT and incorporates it selectively in eligible cases to avoid prolonged external radiation sessions.
3D conformal radiation is a widely used EBRT technique that shapes radiation beams to match the shape of the tumor. It ensures maximum dose delivery to cancerous areas while sparing healthy tissue. It is especially useful in post-lumpectomy cases where irregular contours need customized coverage. Dr. Mathangi’s team uses advanced planning software and CT simulation to generate personalized beam arrangements.
No two breast cancer cases are alike. Dr. Mathangi’s approach is multidisciplinary and personalized. She collaborates with surgeons and medical oncologists to decide whether a patient needs:
Her protocols also include cosmetic preservation strategies, dose constraint evaluations, and long-term surveillance planning.
Before therapy begins, patients undergo a CT simulation scan. This helps create a digital map of the breast or chest wall. The radiation oncologist outlines the target and sensitive organs. A physicist then generates a treatment plan, which is approved by Dr. Mathangi. The entire process ensures pinpoint accuracy and efficient execution using the latest TrueBeam and RapidArc systems.
If you or a loved one is exploring types of radiation therapy for breast cancer, trust a leader in the field. Dr. Mathangi offers compassionate, evidence-based care at every stage. To begin your consultation, visit https://drmathangi.com/contact/ and submit your details. Her team will arrange a timely appointment and guide you through your options.
The evolving landscape of breast cancer radiation therapy offers powerful options for cure, comfort, and cosmetic preservation. With expertise in everything from external beam radiation therapy to intraoperative radiation, Dr. Mathangi brings global training and local dedication to deliver exceptional results. Your choice of specialist matters—because every treatment decision is a step toward survivorship.
The primary types of radiation therapy for breast cancer include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy, intraoperative radiation, and proton therapy. Each type differs in how radiation is delivered, with some methods being external and others internal. Dr. Mathangi determines the best option based on the cancer's location, size, and risk factors.
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) involves directing high-energy x-rays from outside the body to the breast area. It is the most commonly used method after lumpectomy or mastectomy. Dr. Mathangi uses advanced EBRT techniques like IMRT, RapidArc, and DIBH to ensure effective tumor targeting with minimal exposure to healthy tissues.
Brachytherapy breast cancer treatment is usually recommended for early-stage tumors after lumpectomy. It involves placing radioactive material directly into the tissue near the tumor bed. Dr. Mathangi uses image-guided, high-dose-rate brachytherapy to deliver concentrated radiation over a short period with fewer side effects.
Partial breast irradiation targets only the tumor bed rather than the entire breast. It's ideal for patients with small, localized, low-risk tumors. This technique reduces radiation exposure to nearby organs. Dr. Mathangi evaluates each patient's tumor characteristics and surgical margins to determine eligibility.
Proton therapy for breast cancer uses proton particles instead of x-rays, offering enhanced precision with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. While this technology is still emerging in India, Dr. Mathangi refers eligible patients—especially those with left-sided tumors or cardiac risks—to trusted proton therapy centers when clinically appropriate.
Intraoperative radiation (IORT) is administered during surgery, immediately after tumor removal. It involves a single high-dose treatment delivered directly to the tumor bed. Dr. Mathangi incorporates IORT in select cases, reducing the need for prolonged external radiation sessions and enabling quicker recovery for low-risk patients.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is a short-course radiation treatment targeting only the area where the tumor was removed. It typically lasts 5 days, as opposed to 3–6 weeks for traditional therapy. Dr. Mathangi may recommend APBI using brachytherapy, 3D conformal EBRT, or external systems for patients with favorable pathology.
3D conformal radiation uses imaging scans to shape radiation beams that closely match the tumor’s contours. It ensures precise delivery while protecting nearby healthy organs. Dr. Mathangi uses 3D-CRT in many breast cancer cases—especially when uniform coverage of irregular breast shapes is required after surgery.
The best radiation technique depends on several factors, including tumor location, surgical outcome, recurrence risk, age, and comorbidities. Dr. Mathangi performs a thorough evaluation and uses simulation scans to design a personalized plan. To book a consultation, visit https://drmathangi.com/contact/ and submit your details. Her team will reach out to schedule your appointment.
