When is brachytherapy recommended for cervical cancer?

Brachytherapy places a radiation source inside an applicator positioned in the vagina and cervix area. This allows the treatment team to focus radiation on the tumour and nearby tissues while limiting exposure to structures farther away. It is commonly planned with external beam radiation and may be combined with chemotherapy, depending on the cancer and your general health.

The recommendation depends on the tumour's size and position, examination findings, scan results, previous treatment, and whether the applicator can be positioned safely. Your radiation team will explain the schedule, anaesthesia or sedation options, bladder and bowel preparation, and expected effects on vaginal tissues.

Bring a list of medicines and tell the team about pregnancy possibility, bleeding, infection symptoms, allergies, previous pelvic procedures, or difficulty with examinations. Ask how to prepare before each appointment and whether you need someone to accompany you after sedation or anaesthesia.

Follow instructions about eating, drinking, and medication changes. After treatment, use only the products and sexual-health measures recommended by your team. Vaginal dryness, discharge, soreness, or changes in sexual comfort can be discussed early; support is available and concerns do not need to be kept private.

Seek urgent advice for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, faintness, trouble passing urine, or new shortness of breath. Contact the radiation team promptly if pain, discharge, diarrhoea, or urinary burning is worsening rather than settling.

After an applicator procedure, follow the discharge instructions carefully. Do not place anything in the vagina unless your clinicians say it is appropriate, and report a device that has moved or any unexpected bleeding immediately.

Is brachytherapy planned with external radiation or chemotherapy for me? What preparation, anaesthesia, and recovery should I expect? Which symptoms are expected after a session, and whom should I call outside clinic hours?