Plaque brachytherapy: what to know

A plaque is a small carrier containing radioactive material. During a procedure, the specialist positions it next to the area being treated and secures it for the planned treatment period. Radiation travels a limited distance from the plaque, so the team maps the target and nearby sensitive structures before treatment.

Plaque brachytherapy is different from external-beam radiotherapy, which directs radiation from a machine outside the body. It is also different from seed implants, in which small sources may remain in tissue. Whether a plaque is suitable depends on the site, size, shape, accessibility, previous treatment, and the intended radiation dose.

Ask how the plaque will be inserted, how long it will stay in place, what anaesthesia is planned, and how discomfort will be managed. Tell the team about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, pregnancy possibility, and previous radiation. Follow instructions about eating, drinking, transport, wound care, and activity after the procedure.

The team will explain whether radiation precautions are needed while the plaque is in place and when they end. Do not touch, move, or adjust the plaque or dressing yourself.

Tell the treatment team immediately if the plaque shifts, becomes loose, or causes sudden severe pain. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, high fever, or rapidly increasing swelling. After removal, report worsening redness, discharge, uncontrolled pain, or any new symptom listed in your discharge instructions.

Why is a plaque suitable for my treatment area? How will its position be checked? How long will it remain in place, and what precautions apply? What alternatives include external radiation, another form of brachytherapy, or surgery?