Brachytherapy in Turkey
Discover Brachytherapy in Turkey
Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation, is a treatment procedure used for certain types of cancer and other conditions. It involves placing radioactive material inside the body. This is different from external radiation, where a machine directs radiation beams to specific points on the body.
Brachytherapy allows higher doses of radiation to be delivered directly to the treatment area, reducing the risk of harming nearby healthy tissue. It can also shorten the overall treatment time by safely delivering a larger dose of radiation at once.
Possible Advantages and Risks of Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is commonly used to treat various types of cancer, including brain, breast, cervical, endometrial, esophageal, eye, gallbladder, head and neck, lung, prostate, rectal, skin, soft tissue sarcomas, and vaginal cancer. In some cases, brachytherapy may also be used to treat other conditions, such as heart problems. One of the key advantages of brachytherapy is that it delivers radiation directly to the treatment area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This targeted approach allows for higher radiation doses to be administered, increasing the treatment’s effectiveness.
Like any medical procedure, brachytherapy does carry some potential side effects and risks. These side effects are specific to the area being treated. Common side effects may include tenderness and swelling in the treatment area. It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider beforehand.
Procedures and Types
of Brachytherapy
Before starting brachytherapy, you will typically meet with a radiation oncologist specialized in cancer treatment with radiation. Scans such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be done to help plan your treatment.
During brachytherapy, radioactive material is placed near the cancerous area inside the body. The placement and type of radioactive material depend on various factors, including the location and extent of the cancer, your overall health, and treatment goals. It can be placed inside a body cavity (intracavity brachytherapy) or within body tissue (interstitial brachytherapy).
Intracavity brachytherapy involves placing a device containing radioactive material in a body opening, such as the windpipe or vagina. Imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasound may be used to ensure proper device placement.
Interstitial brachytherapy involves placing devices like wires, balloons, needles, or tiny seeds into body tissue, such as the breast or prostate. Needles or special applicators are used, and imaging tests help guide the devices into the right position.
For prostate cancer, brachytherapy involves the permanent placement of radioactive material directly into the prostate gland. This procedure is performed under anesthesia, and imaging tests are used to ensure accurate placement. Over time, the radiation emitted by the prostate decreases, and precautions may be advised around children and pregnant individuals initially.
Cervical cancer may also be treated with brachytherapy. In this case, a device containing radioactive material is inserted into the vagina. Imaging tests, such as CT scans or ultrasound, help guide the placement of the device, ensuring effective treatment.
The procedure for brachytherapy can be temporary or permanent. Temporary brachytherapy, also called high-dose-rate brachytherapy, involves short treatment sessions where the radioactive material is inserted into the body for a few minutes to about 20 minutes. You may have one or two sessions a day over several days. Discomfort during the procedure can be managed, and once the material is removed, you will not be radioactive.
Permanent brachytherapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer, where the radioactive material is placed in the body permanently. Anesthesia is used during the procedure, and imaging tests ensure proper placement. Radiation emission from the treated area is low, and precautions may be advised around children and pregnant individuals initially.
After brachytherapy, your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up scans or exams to evaluate the success of the treatment. It is important to discuss the details of your specific brachytherapy treatment with your healthcare provider to address any concerns or questions you may have.
