Brachytherapy

What Is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy, is a type of cancer treatment where a small radiation source is placed directly inside the body—close to or within the tumor itself. Unlike external beam radiation, which delivers radiation from a machine outside the body, brachytherapy works from the inside out, providing concentrated treatment exactly where it's needed.

What Conditions Can Brachytherapy Treat?

This treatment can be effective for a wide variety of cancers, including:

• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Cervical and uterine (endometrial) cancers
• Vaginal cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Esophageal and rectal cancers
• Lung cancer
• Eye cancers (such as ocular melanoma)
• Soft tissue sarcomas
• Brain tumors

How Brachytherapy Is Performed

Depending on your diagnosis, the radiation source may be temporarily or permanently implanted. It can be delivered in a few different ways:

• Interstitial: Directly into the tumor tissue
• Intracavity: Placed into a body cavity, such as the vagina or uterus
• Episcleral: Attached to the surface of the eye (for certain eye cancers)

Types of Brachytherapy

• Temporary Brachytherapy: A radiation source is placed inside the body for a short time—anywhere from a few minutes to several days—then removed.
• Permanent Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are left in place permanently. Over time, the radiation fades until it is no longer active.

Benefits of Brachytherapy

Because the radiation source is placed so close to the tumor, brachytherapy allows us to deliver high doses of radiation to the cancer while limiting exposure to nearby healthy tissue. This approach can result in:

• Shorter treatment schedules—sometimes just a few days
• Fewer visits to the clinic
• Faster recovery time and reduced side effects

What to Expect

Side effects depend on the treatment area and individual response, but may include temporary swelling, tenderness, or minor bleeding at the site. For certain cancers, temporary urinary or digestive changes may occur, but these typically improve shortly after treatment ends.

Expert Care, Close to Home

At Salter Radiation Oncology, we personalize every brachytherapy plan to match your diagnosis and goals. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Susan Salter and her team provide expert care in a comfortable setting right here in Birmingham. From advanced planning to follow-up care, we’re with you every step of the way.

To find out if brachytherapy is a good option for your treatment plan, call our office at (205) 939-7884. No referral is needed to get started.