Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal Radiation Therapy; Brachytherapy

Related Terms

• radiation therapy
• adjuvant therapy
• neoadjuvant therapy
• vaginal stenosis

Definition: Internal radiation therapy for gynecologic cancers is a type of radiation therapy where the radioactive material is placed in an applicator in the vagina and/or cervix. "Brachy-" means "close" and this type of radiation has the advantage of delivering the radiation from a close distance, and thereby deliver a higher dose of radiation while not causing as much damage to other structures.

There are two main types of brachytherapy for gyn cancers: 1) low dose therapy, which takes longer - generally 2-3 days, and the patient must be isolated in a special hospital room because they are radioactive to others during that time. 2) High dose therapy is inserted for shorter time periods, of generally 10-30 minutes, and given 1-2 times per week for usually 5-10 treatments.

After radiation therapy, proper aftercare is important to prevent vaginal and cervical stenosis.

Pronunciation: BRACK ee ther a pee • (noun)

Also Known As: implant radiation therapy, brachytherapy

Common Misspellings: brackytherapy

GO TO

Gyn Cancer Resource Page

HPV/Dysplasia Resource Page

Laura's Gyn Cancer Home

The material on this page and Web site is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not substitute for medical advice. Anyone having questions about the application of information appearing here to a specific person or situation should obtain advice from a qualified physician.