Does brachytherapy treat womb cancer?

It may be recommended after surgery to treat the area where womb cancer could return. In some situations, it forms part of a broader radiotherapy plan. The choice depends on the cancer's features, its extent and treatments already received.

A smooth applicator is placed in the vagina, allowing a temporary radiation source to reach the treatment area from inside the body. Planning measurements or imaging help select the applicator and guide delivery.

The treatment itself does not make you radioactive once the source is removed. The applicator is also taken out, and many people return home the same day. Your schedule is tailored to your cancer and any external beam radiotherapy in the plan.

Use the preparation guidance from your radiotherapy unit, including instructions about your bladder, bowel, meals and medicines. Mention vaginal discomfort, infection symptoms, mobility needs or anxiety before the procedure so the team can adapt your care.

After treatment, follow advice on washing, activity and managing discharge or irritation. If vaginal dilators are recommended later, ask when to start, how often to use them and what to do if their use causes pain or bleeding.

Tell your treatment team soon about fever, increasing lower abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, offensive discharge, burning when passing urine, inability to urinate or bowel symptoms that are difficult to control.

Go to urgent care for severe bleeding, collapse, new chest pain or sudden trouble breathing. Follow the oncology unit's contact plan when symptoms appear between scheduled visits.

Useful questions include why brachytherapy is advised in your case, whether external radiotherapy is also needed and what you may feel during insertion. Ask about vaginal dryness or narrowing, bladder and bowel effects, sexual comfort, menopause symptoms and the follow-up offered for these concerns.