MammoSite HDR (High Dose Rate) Breast Brachytherapy
Why should I consider HDR Breast Brachytherapy?
HDR Brachytherapy is a targeted treatment that uses a high-dose of radiation directed right at the area where the cancer cells may remain. The therapy is delivered from inside the body and limits the radiation exposure to normal, healthy tissue. Using HDR Brachytherapy will lessen the side effecs of radiation such as skin discoloration, scarring, burning, fatiuge and damage to surrounding organs or tissue. HDR also decreases the radiation treatment duration from 6 or 7 weeks to 5 days.
Why do I need radiation?
After a lumpectomy, radiation therapy is often used to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. The goal is to keep the cells from replicating and coming back.
High Dose Rate Brachytherapy uses a high-energy source of radiation directed to the area where the cancer was removed. The source of energy disrupts the growth of the cancerous cells. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells can not repair themselves, making them vulnerable to radiation therapy.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects are redness, bruising and breast pain. These do not occur in all patients. Some patients report drainage from the catheter site. All side effects are very mild and only last for a short period of time.
How does it work?
Once the cancer cells are removed a balloon attached to a thin catheter is placed inside the lumpectomy cavity by your surgeon. The balloon is then inflated with saline to fill the cavity completely. To deliver radiation therapy, a tiny source called a ‘seed’ is placed within the balloon.
You will have 10 treatments over 5 days. After each treatment, the ‘seed’ will be removed, but the catheter will remain throughout the 5 day treatment. Once the 10 treatments are completed the balloon catheter is removed, and the area is closed with a small bandage. You should feel little to no discomfort during the treatment or when the catheter is removed.
What to expect?
Placement
- A surgeon places an uniflated balloon catheter inside the lumpectomy cavity.
- The balloon is inflated with saline. It remains inflated throughout the 5 day treatment.
- A small portion of the catheter remains outside of the breast. It is secured to prevent movement of the catheter.
Treatment
- Your treatment is planned by a radiation oncologist who determines the amount of radiation needed.
- You will visit the Cancer Center twice a day for 5 days. Each treatment takes around 30 minutes.
- During treatment, the catheter is connected to a computer controlled machine that inserts the radiation ‘seed’ into the balloon. Once completed the seed is removed and you can return to normal activites.
Removal
- The balloon catheter will be removed after the last treatment.
- The incision is then closed with a small bandage.
- Most women feel little or no discomfort during the treatment or catheter removal.
- Women may return to normal day activities within one week.
Click here to watch a video about MammoSite HDR Breast Brachytherapy
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Who do you call if you have questions?
Call (740) 356-7490 or toll free 1-888-722-8787, or e-mail us if you have questions.
