BRACHYTHERAPY

Brachytherapy is a medical procedure used in the treatment of various types of cancer. It involves placing radioactive sources directly into or very close to the tumor, delivering a highly localized dose of radiation. This accuracy makes it an effective treatment option for many types of cancer, including prostate, cervical, breast and skin cancers, as well as some head and neck cancers.


There are two basic types of brachytherapy:


High-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR): In HDR brachytherapy, a temporary radioactive source is inserted into or near the tumor for a short period of time, often minutes to hours. The source is usually delivered through thin catheters or applicators that are carefully placed by medical professionals. Because the exposure time is short, patients can undergo several treatment sessions over a period of days or weeks.


Low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR): LDR brachytherapy involves the placement of radioactive seeds or sources that emit continuous low-dose radiation over an extended period of time. This treatment is often used for prostate cancer, where tiny radioactive seeds are permanently implanted into the prostate. The radiation is delivered slowly over several months and gradually diminishes over time.


Brachytherapy offers several advantages over external beam radiation therapy, where radiation is delivered from outside the body. These benefits include:


Precise targeting: Brachytherapy allows for highly focused radiation, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.


Shorter treatment time: HDR brachytherapy can be completed in a shorter time frame compared to weeks of daily external beam radiation sessions.


Reduced side effects: The targeted nature of brachytherapy can result in fewer side effects because healthy tissues receive less radiation.


Comfort: LDR brachytherapy, such as prostate seed implants, provides a comfortable long-term radiation solution.


Brachytherapy is not suitable for all types of cancer or for all patients. The decision to use brachytherapy depends on factors such as the type of cancer, stage, location and overall health of the patient. Doctors, including radiation oncologists and medical physicists, carefully plan and administer brachytherapy to ensure its safety and effectiveness in treating cancer.

Doctors specialising in this field can provide intricate guidance on the cases. One should always be aware and look out for symptoms which may seem like nothing at first but can turn to worse, if ignored.

Mentionable names among some of the Best Oncologists in Kolkata are:

Dr. Sanjoy Roy  and Dr. Sayan Paul.


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