Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy that is used to treat many different kinds of cancer.
Although brachytherapy is much safer than external radiation treatments, there are some problems that can occur.
Because of the method of delivery, there is a reduction in the damage that occurs to healthy surrounding tissues and cells.
Basics of Brachytherapy Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that is used to treat many different forms of cancer, from prostate cancer to skin cancer.
This form of radiation therapy uses implants that are made radioactive.
According to the American Cancer Society, these implants can be in seed, pellet, wire, capsule or tube form.
The implants are small and are chosen based on the size of the tumor and the type of brachytherapy.
These implants are used as casings, so to speak, that hold the radiation that is going to be delivered to the tumor.
Two Types There are two types of brachytherapy: interstitial and intracavitary.
Interstitial brachytherapy involves placing the smaller types of implants into or as close to the cancerous tumor as possible, like when treating prostate or breast cancer.
Intracavitary brachytherapy involves placing the implants into a body cavity, like the uterus when treating uterine cancer.
Interstitial brachytherapy is more commonly used when the area that has the tumor is small, or when there is only one or two tumors.
Intracavitary brachytherapy is commonly chosen when the area can lead to spreading or when there is a large cavity with multiple tumors.
Process of Implantation The brachytherapy implants are chosen based on the criteria specified above.
You will be given either a local or general anesthesia, and the implants will be inserted using a catheter of some sort.
The oncologist or surgeon will usually use an MRI to guide the catheter into the location intended.
In permanent implantation, the implants are placed by the catheter and then the catheter is removed, while other implantations are meant to be temporary, and the catheter is left in until your treatment is complete.
Incidences Incidences of brachytherapy problems are generally related to the area in which you are going to need the treatment.
For example, the head and neck areas will have different issues from the uterine area.
It is important to understand what problems that you may experience for your particular treatment area.
Specific Problems Brachytherapy problems in the head and neck areas can include an increase in dental cavities, redness and soreness in the mouth, trouble swallowing, loss of taste, and earaches.
Good dental hygiene with particular attention to teeth, gums, mouth, and throat areas is important.
Brachytherapy problems for prostate treatment include erectile dysfunction, rectal bleeding and urinary incontinence.
For breast cancer, problems can include enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, swelling and soreness.