Acute and Late Skin Toxicity from Breast Radiation

Acute and late skin toxicities are an unfortunate but expected side effect of breast cancer treatment with radiation therapy. Thoughtful consideration of the normal structure and function of the skin and the anatomy of the breast may facilitate understanding and anticipation of radiation-related skin reactions. Specific acute and late toxicities have been described and are largely evaluated using provider-reported ratings of clinical exam findings. Risks for development of skin toxicity are likely related to both patient-and treatment-specific factors. Most techniques for the management of skin toxicity are experience-based or supported by small, non-randomized studies. Adoption of more detailed assessments of dermal injury following radiotherapy may improve understanding of discrete entities and identify new avenues toward the development of tailored management strategies for specific radiation-related skin toxicities.