Brachytherapy for cervical cancer

Brachytherapy is one of the subspecies of radiotherapy, which consists in introducing a radiation source directly into the patient's body.

The main advantages of internal radiation therapy:

• a small number of complications and side effects;
• short duration of the patient's stay in the clinic;
• a short and painless recovery period;
• the possibility of getting rid of the neoplasm without surgery.

This method is actively used in the fight against various oncological diseases, including cervical cancer. 

Brachytherapy for cervical cancer is an effective method of influencing the tumor site with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

Types of brachytherapy

Brachytherapy for cervical cancer can be low-dose, high-dose, and pulsed. The main difference between the varieties of this treatment method is their intensity.

• Low-dose therapy involves implanting a radioactive "grain" with a low dose of radiation into the patient's body.  This method of treatment is carried out inpatient for a long period of time, usually one week.
• High-dose brachytherapy for cervical cancer allows for faster treatment. This technique involves more intense radiation. It has a short duration and can be performed as part of a short-term hospitalization.
• Pulsed brachytherapy consists in introducing a source into the patient's body for a long period. Moreover, in this case, the radiation does not affect the neoplasm constantly, but in separate pulses, the frequency of which is set in advance.

It is also worth noting that for brachytherapy of cervical cancer, the patient should undergo some mandatory examinations: blood tests, electrocardiogram, fluorography.

This is necessary in order to assess the general condition of the guest of the clinic, as well as to choose the type of therapy necessary for her.

Rehabilitation and consequences

After the procedure, if it took place in a hospital, the patient is transferred to the ward for several hours under the supervision of a doctor to assess side effects and monitor her well-being.

It is worth noting that the rehabilitation period after brachytherapy of the cervix does not last long – only one or two days. Moreover, during this period, the patient should not drink alcohol, drive a car, or generally be in a sitting position for more than two hours.

Also, after this procedure, physical activity and weight lifting weighing more than 5 kg are not recommended.

After about 4 months, the patient can return to her normal lifestyle.