Hair Loss?

[Joanie08]

I had the biopsy done on the calcification yesterday and now I'm awaiting the results, very nervously. The doctor told me that if it is malignant, I might need radiation therapy. Will this cause hair loss? Thanks so much.
Joan

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear joanie08:  Radiation treatment is a local treatment.  That means it only affects the area that is being radiated.  So if your breast is being radiated, you will not lose your hair.

[surgeon]

radiation does not cause hair loss. It can cause some redness of the skin of the breast during treatment, and sometimes mild soreness of the breast, and often general tiredness. But not hair loss. Hair loss can occur with chemotherapy (anticancer drugs.)

[Joanie08]

Thanks so much. That is a relief,and you are extremely helpful. I appreciate this, since this a nerve-wracking ordeal.
Joan

[Joanie08]

Thanks so much!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind help.
Joan