Cancer treatments of any type can be scary. Often our greatest fears can be traced to our fear of the unknown. While this document is in no way to be taken as medical advice it may be your first stop on the way to beginning to understand a little about this form of radiation treatment.

Brachytherapy vs. Beam Radiation

Beam radiation is radiation therapy administered outside of the body. This type of radiation is often called external radiation, and it aims high level x-ray beams at the cancer. Brachytherapy is administered inside of the body and is often referred to as internal radiation therapy.

Just as its name suggests internal radiation therapy is aimed at cancer from within the body. Brachytherapy comes from the Greek word small because it focuses on a small area of the body causing less damage to healthy tissue.

The idea is to point the radiation more directly towards the cancer by maneuvering the radiation emitting devices more closely to the cancer. This is accomplished in a number of ways for different types of cancer.

Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and the condition of your cancer to determine which prostate Brachytherapy treatment will best serve your needs. Two kinds of treatment exist. The first is called Permanent Low Dosage Rate (LDR) the second is called Temporary High Dosage Rate (HDR).

Permanent LDR Brachytherapy

LDR is a process by which radiation seeds are implanted in the body inside of the cancer or directly next to it. These seeds remain in the body slowly emitting direct concentrated doses of radiation to the prostrate while limiting damage to healthy cells. The seeds remain in place permanently and become inactive after a few months. This is an outpatient procedure, and contact with children and pregnant women may be restricted.

Temporary HDR Brachytherapy

HDR is a process by which hollow needles are inserted into the cancer area. These needles remain in place until the therapy is complete. During treatment these needles are filled with high doses of radioactive material. This is repeated 2 - 3 times a day over the course of several days.

Once the procedure is completed all materials are removed. While undergoing this type of treatment the radiation in your body may be dangerous to others and visitation of children and pregnant women may be restricted. You will be required to remain in the hospital until the process is complete. Once all materials are removed the restrictions will be lifted.

Procedure

Before treatment ultrasound will be used to determine the placement of radioactive material. Ultrasound may also be used during treatment to assist in guided placement of treatment materials. After anesthesia is administered needles are inserted into the perineum to the prostate.

Once accuracy of placement is monitored and confirmed the LDR seeds are released. The area is scanned for stray seeds which are removed. In cases of HDR usage once placement is confirmed the needles are filled. Incisions are not necessary for this procedure.

Side effects

Difficult and or frequent urination are the most often seen side effects. This is treated with medication and or draining of the bladder. Symptoms improve over time. Impotence and infertility are a possibility.

With any medical procedure be sure to obtain detailed information from authorized sources. Discuss your treatment with your doctor. Keep a notepad handy to jot down questions and concerns and carry these notes with you to each doctor visit.

Do not be afraid to ask for explanations of terms you don't understand, and be sure to ask how and why your doctor arrived at his diagnosis and prescribed treatment method for you. It is advisable to be aware of other treatment options. Remember, it's your body.