Internal radiation

Internal radiation therapy (also known as brachytherapy) is a form of radiotherapy where radiation is applied from within the body. This is in contrast to external beam radiotherapy, which projects radiation from outside the body. Internal radiation therapy is commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.

History

The use of internal radiation therapy dates back to the early 20th century, following the discovery of radioactivity by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie. The first recorded use of brachytherapy was in 1903 by Danlos and Albanopoulo at the Hôpital Saint-Louis in Paris.

Procedure

In internal radiation therapy, a radioactive substance is placed inside the body, near the area requiring treatment. This can be done through various methods, including implantation (where the radioactive substance is placed directly into the tissue) and injection (where the substance is injected into the bloodstream or body cavity).

The radioactive substance used in the therapy emits radiation that kills or damages the cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. The radiation affects only the cells in the immediate vicinity of the substance, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Types

There are two main types of internal radiation therapy: permanent brachytherapy and temporary brachytherapy. In permanent brachytherapy, the radioactive substance is left in the body permanently, while in temporary brachytherapy, it is removed after a certain period of time.

Risks and Side Effects

Like all forms of radiotherapy, internal radiation therapy carries certain risks and potential side effects. These can include fatigue, skin changes, and nausea. Long-term risks can include damage to healthy tissue and organs near the treatment area, and the potential for secondary cancers.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Cancer treatment
• Radioactive decay
• Radiobiology

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