Brachytherapy

A type of radiation therapy in which radioactive implants, such as pellets, seeds, ribbons, wires, needles, balloons, or capsules, are placed in the body, directly into or near the tumor. The radiation is delivered through a flexible tube called a catheter or a larger device called an applicator. Brachytherapy is often used to treat cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix, prostate, and eye. Depending on the type of cancer and treatment plan, the implant may be kept in place for a few minutes, many days, or permanently. Also called implant radiation therapy and radiation brachytherapy.