What to expect from brachytherapy for vaginal cancer

Your team may use a small applicator shaped for the vagina. Imaging and examination help guide its position, and a treatment plan is prepared for the area that needs radiation. The applicator is connected to a machine only during treatment; the source is removed afterwards, so you are not radioactive when you leave.

You may have an outpatient visit or a hospital stay, depending on the applicator, treatment plan and whether sedation or anaesthesia is needed. Pressure, cramping or tenderness can occur while the applicator is placed. The team will explain how to keep still and what sensations to report.

Follow the instructions about eating, drinking, medicines and transport, especially if sedation is planned. Wear comfortable clothing and tell the team about bleeding, pain, allergies, pregnancy possibility or medicines that affect bleeding.

After treatment, mild soreness, tiredness, light bleeding or watery discharge may occur. Use only the hygiene products and vaginal medicines your team recommends. Rest as needed, drink fluids and attend planned reviews so healing and treatment response can be assessed.

Contact your treatment team promptly for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, difficulty passing urine or a sudden change in bowel control. Seek urgent help for collapse, breathing trouble or severe pain that does not settle.

Ask which applicator and anaesthesia are planned, how long each visit may take, what activities to pause, and which symptoms should be reported between sessions.