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After Effects of Brachytherapy Pelvic Radiation

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy in which a device is placed inside the body to treat cancer. Providing a higher dose of ionized energy than other forms of radiation treatment, pellets, ribbons or wires are guided near or into the cancerous tissue to fight the disease. And while internal pelvic radiation may have many benefits in treating cancer, it isn't without side effects.

  1. Types

    • Brachytherapy is commonly used in the treatment of both cervical and prostate cancer in the pelvic region. With cancer of the cervix, internal radiation can be used at any stage of the disease with positive effects. But prostate cancer only responds to this form of treatment in its earlier stages, such as I and II.

    Benefits

    • In either form of cancer, the most obvious benefit is the damage radiation causes to the cancerous cells. It essentially alters their DNA, impeding rapid division and causing the death of these abnormal cells. For both cancers, it may even lead to remission.

    Significance

    • In cervical cancer, brachytherapy can also set the stage for other modes of treatment by shrinking the malignant tumor so it may be more easily and effectively treated with external beam radiation (targeted ionized energy) and/or chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs). Internal radiation can make cancerous cells in cervical cancer more susceptible to chemo drugs. In prostate cancer, the same cannot be said.

    Effects of Cervical Radiation

    • With cervical cancer, most side effects of internal pelvic radiation center on digestive issues, urinary issues and sex. It isn't uncommon to suffer nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, loose stools, vaginal dryness and incontinence during treatment.

    Effects of Prostate Radiation

    • With prostate cancer, internal radiation often causes issues involving bowel movements, urination and sex. Many men going through brachytherapy experience diarrhea, rectal pain, increased urination, incontinence and sometimes erectile dysfunction.

    Uncommon Effects

    • Though not as common as other side effects, internal pelvic radiation may cause narrowing of the vagina, shortening of the vaginal cavity, premature menopause and loss of bone density with cervical cancer patients. Internal radiation of the prostate may cause urethral stricture (urethra closes).

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