Internal radiation therapy

Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, is a form of radiation therapy used in the treatment of various types of cancer. This therapy involves placing a radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor, allowing for a high dose of radiation to be delivered to the cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Types of Internal Radiation Therapy

There are several types of internal radiation therapy, each with specific applications and techniques:

1. Intracavitary Brachytherapy

This type involves placing the radioactive source within a body cavity, such as the uterus or vagina. It is commonly used in the treatment of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer.

2. Interstitial Brachytherapy

In this method, radioactive sources are implanted directly into the tissue of the tumor. It is often used for prostate cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancers.

3. Intraluminal Brachytherapy

This involves placing the radioactive source within a lumen, such as the esophagus or bronchus, and is used for treating cancers in these areas.

4. Surface Brachytherapy

Radioactive sources are placed on the surface of the body, typically used for skin cancers.

Procedure

The procedure for internal radiation therapy varies depending on the type and location of the cancer. Generally, it involves the following steps:

1. Planning

A team of specialists, including a radiation oncologist, will plan the treatment using imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI to determine the precise location and size of the tumor.

2. Placement

The radioactive material is placed in or near the tumor using applicators, catheters, or needles. This can be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

3. Treatment Duration

The duration of treatment can vary. Some treatments involve a single session, while others may require multiple sessions over several days or weeks.

4. Removal

After the prescribed dose of radiation has been delivered, the radioactive sources are removed. In some cases, such as with permanent seed implants for prostate cancer, the sources remain in the body but lose their radioactivity over time.

Advantages

Internal radiation therapy offers several advantages over external beam radiation therapy:

• Precision: The radiation is delivered directly to the tumor, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Higher Dose: Higher doses of radiation can be administered in a shorter period of time.
• Shorter Treatment Time: Treatment can often be completed in fewer sessions compared to external radiation.

Risks and Side Effects

As with any medical treatment, internal radiation therapy carries potential risks and side effects, which may include:

• Localized Pain or Discomfort: At the site of the implant or insertion.
• Swelling or Bruising: Around the treatment area.
• Infection: Risk of infection at the insertion site.
• Radiation Exposure: Minimal risk to others, as the radiation is contained within the body.

Also see

• Radiation therapy
• External beam radiation therapy
• Prostate cancer treatment
• Cervical cancer treatment
• Oncology

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