What is brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that uses a solid radiation source. Seeds, ribbons, or capsules containing the source are placed in or near the tumor.

Like external beam radiation, brachytherapy is a local treatment, meaning it treats a specific part of the body. It is most often used for cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix, prostate, and eye.

Your care team can explain whether brachytherapy is part of your plan and what to expect from it.