A radioactive implant is inserted inside your body as part of a cancer treatment called Brachytherapy, often known as internal radiation. Most of the time, it is painless, and it is an excellent cancer treatment. The radioactive substance used in Brachytherapy can be found in "seed"-like pellets or in:
With the use of a needle or catheter, the doctor implants it. They either put it inside your tumour or extremely close to it. This enables them to deliver radiation to cancer cells while causing the least amount of damage to healthy cells. Permanent or temporary implants are both possible. The most popular kind of internal radiation therapy is called Brachytherapy. Some cancers, such as breast, cervical, prostate, uterine, and vaginal cancer, are treated with it. Radiation oncologists are the primary healthcare providers for brachytherapy, just like they are for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Each hospital may have a different procedure for brachytherapy. Brachytherapy involves putting sealed radioactive sources inside the body, either near or inside the tumour. The sources emit gamma rays, which work over a very small area yet have the same impact on cancer as the x-rays used in external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). It is a method of providing the cancer a high dose of radiation while only allowing a very small dose to reach the nearby tissues and organs. The type of cancer being treated determines the type of brachytherapy employed. It could include of pellets, seeds, needles, wires, or other small, mobile sources that are applied to the body through applicators from a machine (thin plastic tubes). Both brachytherapy and EBRT are options. Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy or sealed source radiation therapy, is a form of radiation therapy in which a small radioactive source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. This allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered to the targeted area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Brachytherapy can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers. It can also be used to treat some non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis and keloids. There are two main types of Brachytherapy: low-dose rate (LDR) and high-dose rate (HDR). In LDR brachytherapy, the radioactive source is left in place for several days, allowing for a low, continuous dose of radiation to be delivered to the targeted area. In HDR brachytherapy, the radioactive source is inserted and removed multiple times per day, delivering a higher, more concentrated dose of radiation. Brachytherapy can be administered in a number of ways, including through temporary implants, permanent implants, and intracavitary/interstitial techniques. Temporary implants, such as those used in prostate cancer treatment, involve the insertion of thin, flexible tubes containing the radioactive source into the body. Permanent implants, such as those used in breast cancer treatment, involve the insertion of small, permanent seed-like sources of radiation into the body. Intracavitary/interstitial techniques involve the insertion of the radioactive source directly into the tumor or surrounding tissue. Advantages of Brachytherapy include the ability to deliver a high dose of radiation to the targeted area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, and the ability to tailor the radiation dose to the individual patient. It also can be a more cost-effective option for treatment. Some common side effects of brachytherapy include fatigue, skin irritation or changes, and urinary and bowel changes. However, these side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with medication. Long-term side effects are rare and depend on the type of cancer, location and dose of radiation. Brachytherapy is a highly effective form of radiation therapy that can be used to treat a variety of cancers. It is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option that can provide excellent results for many patients. It is recommended to consult with your doctor to know if brachytherapy is the best option for your specific case.
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