Brachytherapy, also known as sealed source radiation therapy, is a procedure that involves the implantation of tiny radioactive rods in or near tumors of mesothelioma and other types of cancer such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. This treatment method allows the delivery of a highly-concentrated and closely targeted dose of radiation to mesothelioma tumors that might be resistant to other types of radiation therapy.
This type of radiation therapy is beneficial because it causes little damage to healthy cells surrounding the affected area and is less invasive than traditional radiation.
Patients with mesothelioma may receive either temporary or permanent brachytherapy treatment. For temporary treatment, radioactive seeds are placed within tumors for a short time and are then removed. In the case of permanent treatment, the seeds are not removed, but are simply left within tumors and eventually cease the emission of radiation.
Unsealed Source Radiation Therapy
Treatment with unsealed source radiation involves the administration of soluble forms of radioactive substances. This type of treatment is administered either orally or via injection, but is only used to treat very specific types of cancer. For example, patients with thyroid cancer are often treated with a solution of radioactive iodine.
One major disadvantage of unsealed source radiation therapy is that people who receive this treatment are considered to be radioactive for the duration of the treatment and for several weeks after - this means they can actually pose a health risk to other people. Note that this is not a treatment that is used for patients with mesothelioma.
Doctor Match Program
One of the most important factors in improving a mesothelioma patient's life expectancy is their selection of doctor and treatment facility. Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program is now helping patients get matched with top mesothelioma specialists around the country. If you wish to take advantage of this free service please call us at (800) 549-0544 or click here to visit our doctor match page
No comments:
Post a Comment