[Radiolesions after radiotherapy of breast cancer]

A study is presented of the late radiolesions which occur after breast cancer irradiation. These lesions are described and the etiological factors are studied, with special emphasis given to the effect of dose and time factors. For the large volume considered in the irradiation of breast cancers, the tolerance dose for normal tissue (skin and connective subcutaneous tissue) can be set at 1,700 rets, that is, 5,600 rads in 28 sessions of 200 rads over a period of 38 days. Technical irradiation problems are given special mention as they can be the cause of dosimetric errors resulting in complications. Dosimetry should be in the whole volume, and not only in a single plane, as is still most often the case.