Experience the Blessing Difference: Brachytherapy:

At our comprehensive cancer center, our experienced team of radiation specialists provide high-quality care right here in our region. We take every precaution to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective. Our brachytherapy experts offer:

  • Advanced imaging technologies: During a brachytherapy procedure, our radiation oncologists use the latest in imaging technologies to view the tumor inside your body in real time and high definition. This imaging ensures that we place the radioactive materials precisely where they will be the most effective. This precision leads to a better outcome for you.

  • Safety and quality assurance: Our staff are specially trained in handling radioactive materials safely. One of our physicists takes delivery of the materials, tests them to make sure they are emitting the correct amount of radiation and stores them in locked boxes designed to contain radiation. We make sure that our patients and staff cannot be unintentionally exposed to radiation.

  • Highest national standards: We are accredited by the American College of Radiology Oncology. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has designated us a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program (CCCP). This means we meet or exceed the highest, most rigorous criteria for cancer centers in the country. Read more about our designation by the Commission on Cancer.

What You Need to Know About Interstitial Brachytherapy

Blessing’s skilled radiation oncologists can place tiny “seeds” of radioactive material in or near a cancer tumor to destroy or damage cancer cells. Called interstitial brachytherapy, this treatment delivers radiation directly to a tumor or cancerous cells from within the body. The radiation from the “seeds” does not travel far within the body and does little damage to healthy cells.

This therapy is an option for some forms of prostate cancer. Your radiation oncologist will help you decide if brachytherapy is the right choice for you.

Brachytherapy: What to Expect

With either type of brachytherapy, you may expect:

  • Sedation: For some brachytherapy procedures, you may need intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. These medications block pain and help you relax. You will either feel drowsy or go to sleep during the procedure. Your radiation oncologist will explain any preparations that you may need to make.

  • Little discomfort: Because of the anesthesia, you will not feel any discomfort during a brachytherapy procedure. However, some patients may feel nauseous after anesthesia. Our doctors can give you anti-nausea medications to help you feel better.

Cancer Treatment at Blessing

We believe that every individual is different. That’s why we offer you as many treatment options as we can.

Brachytherapy is one of the many cancer treatment options we provide. Learn more about other cancer treatments and services.

CONTACT US

To learn more about our cancer center services please call (217) 223-1200.