9 Brachytherapy Doctors in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy or Internal Radiation Therapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat various types of cancer. Radioactive materials (seeds) are placed near the cancer tissue which actively emits radiation which kills the cancer tissue and reduces cancer effectively. Brachytherapy can also be done to treat cancers affecting other internal organs like brain, eyes, breast, endometrium, etc. Depending upon the dose of radiation, Brachytherapy can be either low-dose radiation therapy LDR or High dose radiation therapy (HDR).

What are the advantages of Brachytherapy?

Advantages of Brachytherapy are:

1. A higher dose of radiation in a shorter period of time 
2. Reduced damage to the surrounding tissue
3. Lesser recovery time
4. Can return to normal daily activities within a few days after the procedure

What are the indications of Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy or Internal Radiation therapy can be done for the following conditions:

1. Cancers of various internal organs like Bile duct, Brain, Breast, Cervical, Endometrial cancer, Esophageal, Prostate, Rectal, Vaginal cancers, etc
2. For preventing the closure of artery (restenosis) after coronary angioplasty

Who can perform Brachytherapy [Right specialist type for Brachytherapy]?

Brachytherapy can be performed by: 

1. Oncology Specialist in Nuclear medicine
2. An Oncologist who is well experienced in performing brachytherapy

What is the cost of Brachytherapy?

Cost of Brachytherapy depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. Area of the body to be treated
5. Type of radioactive agents used
6. The medical condition of the patient
7. Complications that are involved
8. Type of hospital
9. The admission room that you opted for
10. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc

Minimum cost for Brachytherapy in Bangalore starts from Rs.22,500

Average expenses for Brachytherapy in Bangalore is approximately Rs.1,25,000

Maximum amount to be paid for Brachytherapy in Bangalore rises up to Rs.2,24,000

Is Brachytherapy a major surgery or minor surgery?

Brachytherapy is considered a minor surgery yet serious care must be taken as the treatment involves the use of radioactive materials.

What are the risks and complications associated with Brachytherapy?

Few of the risks and complications of Brachytherapy are:

1. Skin irritation
2. Fatigue or weakness
3. Damage to the nearby healthy tissue 
4. Infertility 
5. Digestive diseases/disorders
6. Hair loss
7. Radiation-induced cancer (rare)

How long does it take to complete Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy involves the insertion of radioactive materials into the tumor site (cancer site) which may take around 1-2 hours to complete.

What is the recovery time for Brachytherapy?

Insertion of radioactive materials at the tumor site would require 5-10 days to heal.

The patient is directed not to interact with children and pregnant women for at least 15 days as the patient can emit potentially damaging radiation. 

What is the success rate of Brachytherapy?

The success rate of Brachytherapy depends on the following factors: 

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Type of therapy performed

Is Brachytherapy permanent?

Depending on the type of cancer diagnosis brachytherapy can be either permanent or a temporary procedure where the radiation source can be removed after a few days or weeks.

What are the long-term results of Brachytherapy?

1. Prevents the reoccurrence of cancer
2. Stops the spread of cancer to surrounding cells

What are the options if Brachytherapy fails?

If Brachytherapy fails, the doctor may suggest alternatives like radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, etc.

What are the alternatives for Brachytherapy?

An Oncologist can choose other alternative treatment options for the treatment of cancers like: 

1. Chemotherapy
2. Immunotherapy
3. Hormone therapy
4. External beam radiotherapy