Brachytherapy
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About Brachytherapy
Internal radiation therapy uses a radiation source that’s usually sealed in a small holder called an implant. The implant is placed very close to or inside the tumor, so that it harms as few normal cells as possible. Internal radiation therapy allows a higher dose of radiation in a smaller area than might be possible with external radiation treatment.
The main types of brachytherapy are intracavitary radiation and interstitial radiation. Both of these methods use radioactive implants such as pellets, seeds, ribbons, wires, needles, capsules, balloons, or tubes.
â– During intracavitary radiation, the radioactive source is placed in a cavity (space) in the body, such as the rectum or uterus.
â– With interstitial radiation, the implants are placed in or near the tumor, but not in a body cavity.
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Types of Brachytherapy
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High-dose rate (HDR) implants
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â– These implants stay in place for a few minutes at a time and are then taken out. Your entire visit will be longer, though, since
it also takes time to prepare for the treatment.
â– The holder or catheter may stay in place, or it may be put in place before each treatment.
â– You can be around people after the implant is removed. You are not radioactive.
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About the Treatment
â– Brachytherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
â– The radiation source, which looks like seeds, ribbons, or wires, is put into your body