Breast Brachytherapy

What is Breast Brachytherapy?

Breast Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy which is performed after a lumpectomy. Like a lumpectomy, Breast Brachytherapy is another option in the breast conserving approach to breast cancer treatment.  Your physician will discuss your options with you.

How Breast Brachytherapy works

After a lumpectomy, a device composed of flexible tubes (known as a “catheter”) is inserted by a surgeon into the breast and into the area previously occupied by the breast cancer. One or two days after the catheter is placed a simulation will be done to precisely plan your treatments with CT scan. 

Breast Brachytherapy involves a series of targeted treatments where a small radioactive seed travels from an HDR machine and into the catheter. It treats the breast from the inside. Breast Brachytherapy treats only the lumpectomy cavity and a small surrounding buffer of tissue. The intent of these treatments is to kill any remaining cancer cells that may be lingering in the cavity.  Breast Brachytherapy is completed over a short period of time and treats only part of the breast.  For this reason, breast brachytherapy may also be referred to as “Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation.”

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