What are the advantages and disadvantages of brachytherapy for cervical cancer?
Brachytherapy for cervical cancer is an effective and safe alternative to surgical removal of the cervix and uterus. It can also be used as an alternative to external radiation that could destroy healthy tissue and cancer tissue. However, there are a number of potential side effects on brachytherapy. The radiation source is sealed in a tube and placed near or inside an organ or tissue. With brachytherapy for cervical cancer, the tube is placed in the uterine cavity and vagina. Brachytherapy can be used in more than one way. It is effective as separate therapy - monotherapy - or in combination with other treatment, such as external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery. In the case of external radiation, its destruction of healthy tissue is a problem, because the body cannot repair the tissue and instead replaces it with a tissue scar, which is less functional than the original tissue. Removal of cervix and uterus during surgery -Radical hysterectomy - can lead to temporary inflammation, making the patient more difficult to empty the bladder.
Brachytherapy for cervical cancer, however, has its own shortcomings and complications. This treatment can cause stenosis or vaginal scarring. Such scarring could make sexual intercourse or gynecological tests. Lubricants can be used to consolidate vaginal dryness, which makes sex penetration more comfortable.
The term "brachytherapy" is derived from ancient Greek brachios , which means "short," and therapeia , which means "healing". The word "brachytherapy" is therefore translated as "short distance healing". This treatment is thus named because it is applied near an organ or tissue.
Brachytherapy was first used in 1901, when French physicist Pierre Curie designed the Parisian hospital. Louis thatDOR will be treated by inserting a small radial tube. Radium is a chemical element that emits radiation. Curie and his wife, Marie, first extracted the radium of uranium in 1898.
In addition to the treatment of cervical cancer, brachytherapy is also used to treat other cancers such as the uterus, prostate and breast cancer. Cancer of esophagus, head and neck, lungs and skin can also be treated with brachytherapy. In addition to cancer, this treatment is also used to combat coronary arteries.