subject: Understanding Brachytherapy [print this page] Understanding Brachytherapy Understanding Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy has been in existence for more than a hundred years. The term Brachy means short and is used in reference to the distance that the Brachytherapy seeds are implanted in relation to the cancer.
In essence, Brachytherapy is a treatment option for several types of cancers. Cancers that may benefit from Brachytherapy include prostate, cervical, esophageal, lung, head and neck, sarcomas and breast as the most common.
This treatment involves inserting tiny rice sized pellets or seeds close to or on a tumor. Radiation is directed towards these seeds, then over time the seeds release radiation towards the tumor. Surrounding areas generally see no adverse or minimally adverse affects from the radiation.
Brachytherapy can be administered as high dose or low dose. Low dose treatments are preferred for low risk cancers. The pellets emit a low dose of radiation to the surrounding cancer for approximately one month before the seeds become inert. For high dose radiation, more than one treatment may be necessary. This is intended to target high-risk cancers and the levels of radiation are increased.
In order to place the seeds where necessary, the seeds may be inserted through the vagina or rectum, or a hollow needle may be used to place them. With some treatments, the seeds remain in place permanently. Other treatments involve removing the seeds.
Depending on the intensity of the cancer, hundreds of seeds may be implanted to combat the cancer. Brachytherapy may be used in conjunction with external beam radiation, in which the radiation is administered outside the body.
Brachytherapy may be used as an alternative to removal of the prostate, uterus, breast and more. Most people who undergo this type of radiation experience no major side effects. The treatment is usually administered on an outpatient basis.
Depending on the severity of the cancer, the amount of radiation will be adjusted to properly work with the tumor without adversely affecting surrounding cells. The length of treatment will also be dependent on the type of cancer and the severity of the cancer. As with any treatment, it is important to feel comfortable with your treatment. Contact more than one specialist for an opinion as to the best type of treatment for your cancer. Following doctor's instructions can help decrease recovery time.
