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About Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy: A Precise Strike Against Cancer

In the fight against cancer, precision is paramount. Brachytherapy, a specialized form of radiation therapy, offers exactly that. By placing a radiation source directly inside or next to the tumor, brachytherapy delivers a high dose of radiation to the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

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How Brachytherapy Works

Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources, such as seeds, ribbons, or capsules, directly into the tumor or the area where the tumor was removed. This allows for a highly targeted approach, delivering a concentrated dose of radiation to the cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.

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Benefits of Brachytherapy

  • Highly Targeted Treatment: Brachytherapy delivers a precise dose of radiation to the tumor, minimizing damage to healthy tissues and reducing the risk of side effects.
  • Effective for Various Cancers: Brachytherapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers, including prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers.
  • Outpatient Procedure: In many cases, brachytherapy can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Reduced Treatment Time: Brachytherapy often requires fewer treatment sessions compared to external beam radiation therapy.
  • Improved Quality of Life: By minimizing damage to healthy tissues, brachytherapy can help preserve organ function and improve patients' quality of life.

 

Types of Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy can be delivered in different ways, depending on the type and location of the cancer:

  • Internal Brachytherapy: Radioactive sources are placed directly inside the tumor or a body cavity.
  • Interstitial Brachytherapy: Radioactive sources are placed in the tissue surrounding the tumor.
  • Intraluminal Brachytherapy: Radioactive sources are placed inside a body tube, such as the esophagus or airway.

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Is Brachytherapy Right for You?

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, talk to your doctor about whether brachytherapy is a suitable treatment option for you. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of brachytherapy and determine if it's the right choice for your individual situation.

Remember: Brachytherapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, offering a precise and effective way to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

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