Cervical Cancer Brachytherapy Treatment

Cervical cancer is typified by an unrestrained growth of cells lining the cervix. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), doctors diagnose close to 12,000 cervical cancer patients annually in the United States. Despite the fact that no cure is yet available, doctors administer numerous treatments, such as brachytherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, to restrain the metastasis of the malignant cells.

Brachytherapy

• Brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy, involves positioning radioactive seeds close to the cervix cancer cells to destroy them, thus preventing the spreading of cancer cells throughout the body.

Duration

• Internal radiation sessions are generally held two to three times a week for nearly two months. However, the duration may vary based on the stage of the cancer upon diagnosis and the internal spreading of the cancer cells.

Advantages

• Brachytherapy is especially beneficial to elderly cervical cancer patients, as well as those who can't undergo surgical removal of cancer cells because of heart problems or other medical disorders.

Side Effects

• Bleeding through the vagina, soreness of the vulva and diarrhea are some of the side effects of internal radiation therapy in cervical cancer patients.

Precautions

• Doctors might advise against overexposure to sun radiation and environmental pollutants while undergoing brachytherapy.