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Understanding Brachytherapy: A Targeted Approach to Cancer Treatment
Brachytherapy is a specialized form of radiation therapy that has transformed the way certain cancers are treated. Unlike traditional external beam radiation, which directs radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source directly inside or very close to the tumor. This method allows doctors to deliver higher doses of radiation to the affected area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
One of the key advantages of brachytherapy is its precision. Because the radiation is localized, it reduces the risk of side effects that are commonly associated with conventional radiation treatments, such as fatigue, skin irritation, or damage to nearby organs. This precision makes brachytherapy especially useful for cancers in sensitive areas, including the prostate, cervix, breast, and skin.
There are two main types of brachytherapy: intracavitary and interstitial. Intracavitary brachytherapy is typically used when a radioactive source can…