Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy treats cancer by placing radioactive material directly to the affected area.

How does Brachytherapy work?

At The Clatterbridge Private Clinic we currently offer brachytherapy for prostate, cervix, endometrium, rectum and skin cancer.

Brachytherapy delivers radiation into body cavities or tissues using hollow tubes known as applicators and is ideal to treat tissue that is close to the applicator. An applicator is put in place just before each treatment session.

The radiation comes from a small solid radioactive source that is stored in a specialised treatment machine. During treatment the radioactive source travels down a tube, into the applicator, delivers the radiation as per your specific treatment plan and is then automatically returned to the machine.

You are NOT radioactive following your HDR Brachytherapy treatment and are therefore fine to be around children and anyone who is pregnant after your treatment. Brachytherapy can be delivered alone or can be combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

We work together to combine the highest levels of consultant-led care and patient choice with the most advanced knowledge and understanding of the disease and its forms.

What happens on the day of your appointment?

The exact procedure used to deliver the treatment depends on the type of cancer being treated. This will be discussed with you at the time and any side affects you may experience post the treatment.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years but in a small proportion of men, it can grow more swiftly and in some cases spread to other parts of the body, in particular the bones. It is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

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Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer occurs when normal cells change and develop in an abnormal way or form a malignant tumour. When cancer cells develop within the vagina itself, it is known as Primary Vaginal Cancer. If it spreads from another part of the body for example, from the neck (cervix) or lining of the womb, it is known as Secondary Vaginal Cancer.

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Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer sometimes known as cancer of the womb, is when normal cells lining the womb change. Endometrial cancer is most commonly found in women over the age of 40 and rare in women under 35 and is the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer accounting for around 13% of all cancers in women.

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FAQ

Am I radioactive

No, once the treatment has taken place no radiation remains in your body, meaning you’re fine to continue with normal activities. If you’re having seed brachytherapy you will be given guidance about radiation protection.