An internal radiation treatment where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or near the tumor site for maximum precision.
Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy,
is a cancer treatment that involves placing radioactive material directly
within or near a tumor. This method allows for high doses of radiation to
be delivered to the cancerous area while minimizing exposure to surrounding
healthy tissues. It's often used for cancers of the prostate, breast,
cervix, and head and neck.
Types:
Interstitial brachytherapy:
Radioactive sources are implanted directly into the
tumor.
Intracavitary brachytherapy:
Radioactive sources are placed into body cavities near the
tumor.
Commonly treated cancers:
Prostate, breast,
cervix, head and neck, and eye cancers are often treated with brachytherapy.
Side effects:
Side effects can vary but may include pain, swelling,
bleeding, or urinary or bowel problems, depending on the treatment area.
Radioactive Sources:
Brachytherapy uses radioactive sources (like seeds, ribbons, or capsules) that are placed inside the body either directly into the tumor or close to it.
