Going through brachytherapy in Singapore is a difficult period for everyone involved. If you want to get the most out of your healthcare team, it’s crucial to have all the information you need.

It can help you feel more in control and like you’re making the best decisions possible for your situation. Here’s a guide to help you understand your treatment process.

What is brachytherapy, and what does it mean?

Brachytherapy in Singapore, also known as internal beam radiation, entails having radioactive material injected into your body. It kills cancer cells by irradiating them and preventing their growth and division. It focuses the radiation on malignant tissue while preserving healthy cells in the surrounding area.

The technique of administering radiation effectively to the tumour in brachytherapy depends on various factors, including the location of the malignancy. Your doctor will ensure precise radiation delivery by using a particular instrument.

What are the three types of brachytherapy?

The three types of brachytherapy:

Brachytherapy implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Certain substances stay in the body continually, and some are only temporary. Before you undergo cervical or breast cancer treatment in Singapore, here are the types you should know.

Low-dose rate

Implants that emit modest doses of radiation for one to seven days are called low-dose rate (LDR) implants. Your doctor may either remove implants following treatment or left in position for the rest of your life.

High dose rate

Implants with a high dose rate (HDR) emit large doses of radiation. Your doctor then removes the implant. Treatment schedules might range from weekly treatment duration.

Permanent

On the other hand, permanent radioactive implants continue to produce radiation indefinitely until they completely deplete radioactivity. The seeds, which are about the size of a grain of rice, get implanted into your body.

What are the safety precautions for permanent brachytherapy?

When you receive brachytherapy in Singapore, you will be radioactive for a brief period after your doctors place the seeds. It is generally safe to return home because the radiation is not high enough to cause harm to those in your immediate vicinity.

However, your medical team will warn you about any measures, such as avoiding direct contact. A day or two after the treatment, you should be able to resume your routine activities.

Is it beneficial to undergo brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy in Singapore has several advantages over conventional treatments. Because of the focused nature of brachytherapy, it has more minor side effects than other forms of radiation treatment.

You won’t have to worry about long hours of a treatment since it is also a minimally intrusive procedure. People can resume their daily routines within a couple of days after receiving treatment.

Even if you are undergoing cervical cancer treatment in Singapore, your doctor will not require you to stay overnight in the hospital or get admitted. Brachytherapy’s advantages allow you to return to your regular routines faster and with less disruption than you would expect.

What are the side effects to expect?

It’s not uncommon for cancer patients to feel anxious about the probable impacts of their therapy. You may encounter adverse effects following your therapy, like cervical or breast cancer treatment in Singapore.

Side effects are dependent on various factors, including the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and any other health conditions. Pain, inflammation, bleeding, or soreness in the treated area are possible side effects.

You could also become dizzy or exhausted. The good news is that these are treatable and will go quickly with medicine. Only a tiny percentage of patients will experience additional adverse effects, and they are almost always related to the radiation treatment itself.

If you want to know more about radiation, it’s best to ask your doctor about your concerns before and after your therapy sessions.

Does brachytherapy work?

Cancer patients who went through brachytherapy in Singapore reported great success. Most of its benefits are present in malignancies that have not yet disseminated or spread to other organs. It is possible to receive internal radiation therapy.

Brachytherapy spares neighbouring healthy tissue and organs because it only addresses the malignancy.

How is brachytherapy done?

In some instances of brachytherapy in Singapore, your medical team will use a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment region. In contrast, in others, a general anaesthetic is needed to keep you asleep for the procedure. You will experience no severe pain or illness should be experienced during brachytherapy treatment. Your doctor can give you medication to help you rest and alleviate any discomfort.

To ensure your safety and well-being after therapy, you will receive specific instructions from your medical team.

If you need to wait for treatments, hobbies might keep you occupied. Consider asking your doctor about what you may and cannot bring into the room.

How will you know if brachytherapy is a good option?

Brachytherapy in Singapore is possible for some people, but it’s not for everyone. Make sure to ask your radiation doctor about your choices before deciding.

If you’re considering brachytherapy treatment, your healthcare team is the best source of information. Consult the experts and explain your alternatives as you proceed through your treatment. With your loved ones, close friends, and your medical team, obtaining all the necessary information can help guarantee that you have correctly examined all of your alternatives.

As a result, you’ll be able to decide on the best course of therapy for your cancer.

Who is going to be a part of your treatment team?

Brachytherapy necessitates a team of specialists. In addition to a radiation oncologist, this group may comprise a health physician, nurse and even a surgeon.

An oncologist evaluates the patient, selects the best course of treatment, and prescribes the right therapy and dose of radiation. They also explain the procedure and inform you of any potential risks as part of the treatment.

Whether you are going for breast or cervical cancer treatment in Singapore, you must choose the right doctor that understands your needs.

Get treated with a trusted oncologist like Dr Johann Tang!

Dr Johann Tang is a radiation oncologist who provides brachytherapy treatments in Singapore. Become a cancer-free patient and contact them today!