What are the most common side effects of brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy, sometimes referred to as internal radiation, is a procedure used to treat cancer. This form of cancer therapy is performed by placing small radiation of similar seeds in the body and adjacent to cancer. Many people feel that this type of therapy is less harmful to the body than traditional radiation. Although this may apply in many cases, some people may still experience side effects. Many of the most common side effects of brachytherapy occur directly after treatment and are usually related to procedures such as bruises and swelling at the site of treatment, while long -term or delayed side effects are not as common and often caused by the radiation itself that many feel to reduce potential side effects. Despite this, this procedure may still be slightly traumatic to the patient's system. The severity of the more formal effects of brachytherapy will often vary, depending on the type and phase of the cancer treated, the amount of radiation used and the patient's medical history. Many people forThe veil of pain at the site of the injection or therapeutic area. Pain can also be accompanied by swelling or bruises. This discomfort is often mild and short -term, but the doctor may prescribe medicines for extreme or prolonged pain.

Brachytherapy is most often performed on pelvic cancer such as prostate or cervical cancer. Patients with men may notice a slightly bloody sperm or a burning feeling in the scrotum, while women may develop excess vaginal discharge or early onset of menopause symptoms. Both sexes may be difficult to urinate or can find traces of blood in the urine. Some patients can also develop diarrhea and excessive fatigue.

Although less common, some may experience long -term side effects of brachytherapy. In rare cases, the bladder or intestines may be permanently damaged by this therapy, which may lead to frequent needurine or regular seizures of diarrhea. Moreover, the blood vessels of these structures can become weak and sometimes cause blood and stool blood. Although it is assumed that it is unusual, some patients may develop erectile dysfunction or become infertile after treatment.