Brachytherapy Brachytherapy (or brachytherapy) is a form of radiotherapy is to say , a therapeutic strategy that uses high energy ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells. Brachytherapy is radiation therapy called "internal" radiation is emitted by a source which is inserted at the site of the tumor. This approach can be used alone or in combination with surgery and / or chemotherapy , depending on the nature of the tumor and its evolution.
Brachytherapy in practice A radioactive source is implanted in contact with the tumor , or in a natural cavity of the body where the tumor seat or directly into the tumor tissue. The radioactive source may take the form of beads , microspheres or son iridium compounds or cesium.
Hospitalization for two to six days is required. Due to the radioactivity emitted by the source implanted in his body , patients are isolated in rooms protected and access is limited. End of treatment , the source is removed and the patient is then no danger to those around her.
Different forms of brachytherapy When the radioactive source is located in a natural cavity such as the vagina , uterus or esophagus is called brachytherapy.
When the source is placed directly into the tumor as is the case in some prostate cancer or breast cancer , the technique is called brachytherapy.
Side effects of brachytherapy Ionizing radiation does not distinguish between healthy cells and cancer cells. There is therefore a risk of damaging healthy cells near the treated area , which may result in side effects more or less severe. Most often , they are limited to the appearance of irritation and / or pain in the treated area.
In the case of a brachytherapy of prostate cancer , urinary problems may occur. They are transient and disappear gradually.
