How long does brachytherapy take to work for vaginal cancer?

Brachytherapy places a radiation source close to the vaginal tumour, concentrating treatment in the intended area. Depending on the plan, it may be given through an applicator during visits or as part of a broader course that includes external radiation.

Radiation can keep affecting cancer cells after an application, and treated tissue can remain irritated while healing. Your team may use an examination, scans, or tissue sampling at a suitable interval rather than relying on symptoms alone. The schedule is shaped by tumour position and size, previous treatment, overall health, and the full radiation plan.

Attend every application and review visit, and follow instructions about washing, medicines, sexual activity, and use of any prescribed vaginal dilator. Tell the radiation team about bleeding, discharge, bowel changes, bladder symptoms, pain, or difficulty eating and drinking.

Rest after procedures and arrange help if sedation or anaesthesia is used. Keep your treatment instructions available, including the contact number for the oncology unit. Do not stop a prescribed medicine because a symptom improves or worsens without discussing it.

Call the oncology team promptly for bleeding that is increasing, foul-smelling discharge, worsening pelvic pain, inability to pass urine, repeated vomiting, or fever. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, or sudden severe pain.

Ask when response will be reviewed, which examination or scan will be used, how treatment-related irritation may affect findings, and whether further treatment is planned. Ask what discharge or bleeding is expected after an application and whom to call outside clinic hours.