What is brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat certain types of cancer. This treatment, also known as semi -implantation brachytherapy, is considered an extremely effective way of treating several types of cancer, including prostate, lung, rectum, breast and cancer of cervix. This treatment has another advantage that it causes less side effects than conventional radiation therapy. The radiation is issued by a piece of device called a linear accelerator that uses microwave technology to generate ionizing X -rays. These rays are toxic to cells and beam is concentrated and directed to specifically target cancer cells. Despite the efforts spent on the aim of the only tumor, side effects occur in almost all cases due to the effects of radiation on the surrounding tissues.

Brachytherapy differs from therapy in the outer beam in several ways. First, radiation is suppliedFrom the body, rather than from the outside of the body. This is achieved by implanting a microscopic pellet or seed inside the tumor itself using a catheter or needle. After the implanted seed, its location is confirmed by MRI, CT or other imaging scanning and location is modified as needed. The seed is closed in a metal capsule, which in itself is not radioactive, but allows radiation to pass into the surrounding tissues.

Another difference between brachytherapy and the therapy of the outer beam is that the radiation emitted by the seed travels only for a short distance. The seed emits the radiation in the circuit around it and affected by the proper implantation of the tumor cells, while the healthy tissue is left unharmed. As a result, this type of cancer therapy causes less side effects that are generally less severe. Side effects are often limited to a certain sensitivity and swelling at the point where the seed was implanted. In addition, treatment tends to be more effective because the use of closed radioactive seed allows you toIt uses the use of a higher dose of radiation than would be possible in the therapy of the outer beam.

There are two main types of brachytherapy: temporary and permanent. When therapy is temporary, a higher dose of radiation in the seeds, which is left in place for a short time, is delivered. A patient who receives therapy often remains in the hospital while the seeds are in place. If therapy is permanent, a lower dose of radiation is used and the patient can return home shortly after the seed implantation. Although the risk is minimal, the patient must be careful to reduce close contact with women who are pregnant and children.