Breast Cancer

Rotter’s nodes

lymph nodes between pectoralis minor and major that often contain mets

Where do most breast cancers begin?

ducts

Name the three breast lymphatic nodal groups?

axillary nodes, supra/infra clavicular nodes, and internal mammary nodes

Location in breast of most breast cancer?

UOQ

Most common type of breast cancer?

Infiltration ductal carcinoma

Difference between modified radical and radical mastectomy?

Modified radical removes only entire breast and some axillary lymph nodes whereas radical mastectomy removes entire breast, axially lymph nodes, and chestwall muscles

What are 3 criteria for receiving radiation for breast cancer?

4 or more positive nodes, tumor >5cm, or close/positive margins

Median survival time period of breast cancer with mets

2-3 years

Most common met sites for breast cancer

bone, liver, lung, and brain

Advantages of using inclined breastboard for breast treatment?

puts lungs parallel with chest slope and prevents breast from falling superior

Disadvantage of using inclined breastboard for breast treatment?

more lung in supraclav treatment area

Why is the gantry angled for supraclav field?

to prevent dose to spinal cord and esophagus

Typically how deep are the intramammary nodes?

3cm

For an IMC electron field, what is the gantry angle?

5 degrees less than the medial tangent to decrease a cold spot at abutting border