Brachytherapy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy, is a type of radiation to treat cancer. The source of radiation is placed in your body or on an area of your body close to the tumor. It is used to shrink the tumor or kill the cancer cells. Brachytherapy may be used with other treatments such as external radiation therapy, medicines, and surgery.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call, or have someone call, your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have chest pain or shortness of breath.
- You have changes in your ability to see, speak, or think.
- You have a severe headache or a seizure.
- You have severe abdominal or hip pain.
Call your doctor or oncologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have a cough or sore throat, or feel weak and achy.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have trouble having a bowel movement or urinating.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your oncologist as directed:
You may need to come back every day for 1 week or more. You may need to return to have your incisions, brachytherapy seeds, or catheters checked. You will need to see your oncologist for tests and ongoing treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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