What is Brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy (pronounced "bray-kee-THEH-ruh-pee") is a specialized form of radiation therapy used to treat various women's cancers. During this treatment, a doctor places radioactive sources—like small seeds, pellets, or capsules—directly inside or very close to the tumor. These implants release radiation for a specific amount of time to target the cancer directly from the inside.
How does brachytherapy help treat cancer?
Brachytherapy allows for very high doses of radiation to be delivered to a small area. This helps to shrink or destroy tumors while protecting the surrounding healthy organs, such as your bladder and rectum. Depending on your situation, your doctor might recommend brachytherapy as your only treatment, or you might receive it along with surgery or external beam radiation therapy.
Is brachytherapy known by any other name?
Yes, brachytherapy is also frequently called internal radiation therapy because the treatment happens inside the body.
What are the different kinds of brachytherapy?
There are two main categories of brachytherapy: temporary implants and permanent implants.
What is temporary low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy?
In LDR brachytherapy, the implants stay in place and release low levels of radiation continuously for a period of one to seven days. After the treatment time is finished, your doctor will remove the radioactive sources from your body.
What is temporary high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy?
HDR brachytherapy is a very common treatment for gynecologic cancers. During these sessions, high doses of radiation are released over a short period, usually lasting 10 to 20 minutes. Your doctor removes the radiation sources after every session. You might have these sessions once a week for several weeks, or twice a day for a few days.
What are permanent implants (seed implantation)?
Permanent implants, or "seeds," release small amounts of radiation over several weeks or months. The level of radioactivity gradually decreases until it is gone. While the radioactivity disappears, the tiny seeds remain safely inside your body.
Which women cancers are treated with this method?
Brachytherapy is highly effective for tumors that have not spread to distant parts of the body. It is used to treat:
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine (endometrial) cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
How can I prepare for my brachytherapy treatment?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and review your medical history. You will probably need blood tests and imaging scans, such as an MRI or CT scan, to help plan where the radiation should go.
What specific steps should I take before the day of treatment?
Your doctor will give you clear instructions, but you might be asked to:
- Stop taking medications that affect blood clotting, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen).
- Use an enema to clear your bowels before the procedure.
- Stop eating or drinking for several hours before you arrive at the clinic.
- Stop using any tobacco products.
How is the brachytherapy procedure performed for gynecologic cases?
The procedure depends on the type of cancer and whether you are receiving HDR or LDR treatment. For women’s cancers, doctors typically use intracavity brachytherapy. This means the implants are placed into a body cavity (like the vagina or uterus) near the tumor. In some cases, interstitial brachytherapy is used, where the doctor places the implants directly into the tissue.
Will I be in pain during the procedure?
To ensure you are comfortable and do not feel pain, your doctor will provide medications or anesthesia. Once you are comfortable, the doctor will:
- Place an applicator or catheter: A special device is inserted to hold the radioactive material. The doctor uses imaging to make sure it is in the perfect spot.
- Deliver the implant: The radioactive source is moved through the applicator to the tumor site to release the treatment dose.
- Remove the implant: For temporary treatments (HDR), the doctor removes the source after the session. For LDR, it is removed after a few days. If needed, you will be given pain medication when the applicator device is removed.
How long does the entire process take?
A single session can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. For HDR, the radiation is only active for a few minutes. For LDR, you might stay in the hospital for one to seven days while the implants are active.
What happens immediately after the brachytherapy session?
After the procedure, you will go to a recovery room where your doctor and team will watch over you and help with any discomfort. You may be able to go home the same day, but if you had anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you. Sometimes, especially with LDR or several HDR sessions, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
What are the main advantages of choosing brachytherapy?
The main benefit is that brachytherapy gives a strong dose of radiation right to the cancer while protecting healthy tissue. This lowers the risk of side effects compared to other treatments and often helps you recover faster.
How successful is brachytherapy for women's cancers?
It is very successful for cancers that are localized. For example, research shows that brachytherapy is an essential tool for extending the lives of women with cervical cancer and is highly effective at preventing cancer from returning.
What are the possible side effects for women?
Side effects usually affect the area being treated and often improve once the treatment is over. Potential side effects include:
- Vaginal scarring or dryness
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Urinary issues, such as urgency or leaking
- Bowel changes, like diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea or an upset stomach
How long will it take for me to recover?
Most women feel better within a few days to a week. You should plan to get plenty of rest and reduce your physical activity immediately after the procedure. Always follow your doctor's advice on when to return to your normal routine.
Is it safe for me to be around my family after treatment?
If you receive temporary brachytherapy (HDR), there is no radiation left in your body, and it is perfectly safe to be around others. If you have permanent implants, your doctor may advise you to limit close contact with young children or pregnant women for a short time. Most of the radiation stays deep inside the tumor and does not travel far outside your body.
When should I contact my doctor during or after treatment?
You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing.
- Severe diarrhea, vomiting, or an upset stomach that won't go away.
- New problems with urinary incontinence (leaking urine).
- New problems with bowel incontinence.
- Signs of infection or unusual vaginal discharge.
Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Brachytherapy for Gynecological Cancer in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Brachytherapy in Lucknow, India. Our experienced radiation oncologists use advanced image-guided technology to deliver precise and targeted radiation therapy with minimal damage to healthy tissues. We ensure accurate planning, effective treatment delivery, and comprehensive care throughout the therapy. With a focus on quality outcomes and affordable pricing, our Brachytherapy cost is suitable for patients seeking high-quality cancer treatment in Lucknow, India.
To seek an Expert Consultation for Brachytherapy for Gynecological Cancer in Lucknow, India:
Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com
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