What is mold brachytherapy?

A mold is made or selected to fit a body surface or cavity, depending on the area being treated. It holds channels in planned positions so a radioactive source can deliver high-dose radiation near the target while limiting exposure to nearby tissue. The applicator itself may be placed for a treatment session and removed afterward; it is not the same as a seed implant that stays in the body.

Mold applicators may be used in selected gynaecological or skin treatment plans. The radiation oncologist chooses the technique according to tumour location, previous treatment, anatomy and the goal of therapy. Imaging and measurements help shape the treatment plan.

Your team may examine the treatment area, take measurements or imaging, and explain whether the mold will be fitted in an outpatient room or during a procedure. Follow instructions about bathing, medicines, eating and transport. During placement, tell staff if pressure, pain or anxiety is becoming difficult so they can adjust support or discuss pain relief.

After the source is removed, you are generally not radioactive from that temporary exposure. If your plan uses a different applicator or implanted material, ask for specific radiation-safety instructions before leaving. Keep the skin or treated area clean as directed and attend review appointments.

Contact the treatment team urgently for heavy bleeding, uncontrolled pain, fever, increasing swelling, foul-smelling discharge, new weakness, or difficulty passing urine or stool after treatment. Seek emergency help for severe breathing trouble, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms. Your team can distinguish expected local irritation from a complication when you describe when it began and how it is changing.

Ask why a mold applicator is suitable, how it will be fitted, whether imaging is needed, how long each session takes, and whether the source is temporary. Clarify expected skin or mucosal effects, pain relief, hygiene, activity limits, radiation precautions, and which symptoms require same-day contact.