Y90 Radioembolization For A Mammogram is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer accounts for 25% of all cancer cases in women. Mammography is a widely used imaging technique for the early detection of breast cancer. In fact, mammograms can detect breast cancer up to two years before a lump can be felt. However, once detected, the treatment options for breast cancer depend on various factors, including the stage of cancer, type of cancer, and overall health of the patient. One of the treatment options for breast cancer is Y90 radioembolization.

What is Y90 Radioembolization For A Mammogram?

Y90 Radioembolization For A Mammogram is a minimally invasive treatment option for liver cancer, but it has also been used to treat breast cancer. In this treatment, tiny radioactive beads are injected into the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor. These beads deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. The beads are so small that they can travel through the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor and lodge in the small blood vessels that feed the tumor, causing radiation damage to the tumor cells.

How Does Y90 Radioembolization Work for Breast Cancer?

Y90 radioembolization works for breast cancer by targeting the tumor's blood supply. The blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor are selectively blocked with tiny radioactive beads that deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor. This leads to the destruction of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. The radiation damages the DNA of the tumor cells, leading to their death. Additionally, the radiation also causes inflammation, which further helps in killing cancer cells.

Y90 Radioembolization vs. Other Treatment Options for Breast Cancer:

Y90 radioembolization is a relatively new treatment option for breast cancer. Other treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery involves the removal of the tumor, and sometimes, the entire breast. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. However, these treatments have some limitations. Surgery may not be an option for some patients due to their health conditions. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. Radiation therapy can also cause side effects such as skin irritation and fatigue.

Y90 radioembolization is a minimally invasive treatment option that has fewer side effects compared to other treatments. Since it targets the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor, it spares the surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment is also completed in one session, unlike radiation therapy, which requires multiple sessions. Additionally, Y90 radioembolization is effective in treating breast cancer that has spread to the liver.

Who is a Good Candidate for Y90 Radioembolization?

Y90 radioembolization is not suitable for everyone with breast cancer. It is most commonly used for patients with advanced breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver. It is also suitable for patients who have tumors that cannot be removed surgically or those who cannot tolerate other treatments due to their health conditions.

Y90 Radioembolization Procedure:

The Y90 radioembolization procedure involves several steps. First, the patient undergoes a CT scan to determine the size and location of the tumor. Next, a small incision is made in the groin area, and a catheter is inserted into the artery that supplies blood to the liver. The radioactive beads are then injected into the catheter, which delivers

Y90 radioembolization is a minimally invasive treatment option for breast cancer that uses tiny radioactive beads to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor. This treatment is typically used for advanced breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver.

The procedure involves several steps. First, the patient undergoes a CT scan to determine the size and location of the tumor. This information is then used to plan the treatment.

Next, the patient is given a mild sedative and local anesthesia. A small incision is made in the groin area, and a catheter is inserted into the artery that supplies blood to the liver. The catheter is guided to the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor.

Once the catheter is in place, tiny radioactive beads, known as yttrium-90 (Y90) microspheres, are injected into the catheter. The beads are so small that they can travel through the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor and lodge in the small blood vessels that feed the tumor.

The beads deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. The radiation damages the DNA of the tumor cells, leading to their death. Additionally, the radiation also causes inflammation, which further helps in killing cancer cells.

The radioactive beads continue to deliver radiation to the tumor for several days after the procedure. During this time, the patient may experience mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.

After the procedure, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for observation for a few hours to ensure there are no complications. The patient may be able to return home the same day or may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Conclusion:

Follow-up imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI, will be done to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. The patient will also need to undergo regular checkups with their oncologist to monitor their overall health and to check for any signs of cancer recurrence.

Y90 radioembolization is a relatively new treatment option for breast cancer, but it is effective in treating advanced breast cancer that has spread to the liver. It is a minimally invasive treatment that has fewer side effects compared to other treatments, and it is completed in one session. However, it is not suitable for everyone with breast cancer, and patients will need to discuss their treatment options with their oncologist to determine if Y90 radioembolization is the right treatment for them.