Does brachytherapy treat vaginal cancer?

Whether it is suitable depends on the cancer's location and extent, previous treatment, and the person's overall health. A radiation oncology team plans the approach for each individual.

A specialist places an applicator inside the vagina so a sealed radiation source can deliver treatment near the cancer. The source is removed after each treatment session; the applicator may also be removed, depending on the plan.

Brachytherapy may be combined with external beam radiotherapy. Planning scans help the team shape the dose around the target while accounting for the bladder, rectum, and other nearby structures.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous pelvic radiation, bleeding, pain, and any chance of pregnancy. Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, drinking, bowel or bladder preparation, and transport home if sedation or anaesthesia is planned.

Before treatment, ask what will happen during applicator placement, how discomfort will be managed, and what pelvic care is recommended afterward. Report new symptoms rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.

Contact the treating team promptly for heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, worsening pelvic pain, difficulty passing urine, persistent vomiting, or severe diarrhoea. Seek urgent medical help for fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, or bleeding that does not settle.

Milder irritation, discharge, urinary discomfort, or bowel changes can occur, but the team should still know if they are worsening or interfering with drinking, eating, sleep, or daily activity.

Useful questions include why brachytherapy is recommended, whether external beam radiotherapy is also needed, what anaesthesia or pain relief will be used, and which short- and longer-term effects are relevant to your plan.

You can also ask how treatment may affect vaginal comfort and sexual health, whether a vaginal dilator may be advised, and which phone number to use for symptoms outside clinic hours.