Oral cavity cancer treatment with brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a radiation type when radioactive materials (cobalt or iridium, sometimes other elements) are injected directly into the oral cavity. It can act on the tumor with maximum doses of radiation and reduce the damaging effects on healthy tissues. Brachytherapy can be used instead of surgery for small oral cavity cancer. After surgery, it may also be prescribed to destroy any remaining malignant cells or treat recurrent tumors. In addition, the combination with external irradiation allows oncologists to use lower doses of conventional radiation, which reduces side effects. The treatment method involves the implantation of radioactive seeds directly into the tumor tissue, resulting in a malignant lesion having the most significant effect. First, the introduction of radiation sources is monitored using MRI and CT imaging. Then, radioactive capsules the size of rice grains are implanted under local anesthesia. The injected material remains in the patient's body without causing any inconvenience to the patient because the radioactivity drops to zero after a few months. Brachytherapy is often preferred due to minimal side effects and good patient tolerance.