What to expect from radiotherapy for inflammatory breast cancer

The radiation team reviews scans, surgery details and the areas at risk before creating your plan. You may receive treatment to the breast or chest wall and regional lymph nodes, depending on your individual situation. A positioning device or small marks can help the same area be treated consistently.

Skin redness, warmth, dryness, darkening or tenderness can develop gradually. The breast or chest wall may feel swollen or tight, and tiredness may increase during the course. Your team can check healing, arm movement and lymphoedema symptoms alongside the skin.

Wear soft, non-rubbing clothing and wash the treated area gently with lukewarm water. Use moisturiser only as advised, and do not place heat, ice, perfume or adhesive products on the field unless your team approves them. Protect the area from sun and tell staff about any open skin.

Continue prescribed exercises for your shoulder and arm when cleared after surgery. Take rest breaks, eat regularly and ask about a bra or clothing option that does not press on tender skin.

Contact your team if redness spreads quickly, pain becomes difficult to control, the skin cracks or leaks fluid, or swelling affects arm movement. Seek urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or a rapidly enlarging swelling.

Ask which breast, chest-wall and lymph-node regions will be treated, how your surgery affects positioning, what products are safe for your skin, and how arm swelling will be assessed. Ask how to manage work, exercise and clothing during treatment.