What to expect from brachytherapy for womb cancer

For womb cancer, brachytherapy usually delivers radiation through an applicator placed in the vagina, close to the upper vagina and the area at risk after surgery or other treatment. The applicator is positioned by a trained team, and imaging or measurements may be used to plan the radiation. The source is present only during the treatment; it is removed afterward.

You may have a short appointment or a longer visit depending on the technique and whether medicines for relaxation, pain control or anaesthesia are needed. The team will explain how you are positioned, what sensations to expect and when you can leave.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies, bleeding, urinary symptoms or bowel symptoms before treatment. Follow any instructions about food and drink. Choose comfortable clothing and ask whether you need an escort home. Mild pelvic pressure, cramping, tiredness or light spotting can follow. Take prescribed medicines as directed, rest if needed, and follow advice about bathing, sex, tampons and other vaginal products while tissues recover.

Call your treatment team for bleeding that is heavy or does not settle, worsening pain, fever, chills, unpleasant-smelling discharge, trouble passing urine, or new bowel-control problems. Get urgent medical help for collapse, severe weakness, sudden breathing difficulty or rapidly escalating pain. Keep your discharge instructions nearby so you know whom to contact outside clinic hours.

Ask whether your treatment is linked to surgery, how the applicator is placed, which pain medicines are available, what restrictions apply afterward, and how the team will assess healing and side effects.