Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves placing radioactive sources inside or near the tumor. Brachytherapy delivers high doses of radiation to the cancer cells while minimizing the exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues and organs.
Brachytherapy can be used to treat various types of cancer, but it is especially effective for gynaecological cancers, such as cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vaginal cancers.
MLCC is the only cancer centre in Nigeria that has a functional 3D high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy machine. This is a sophisticated system that allows precise delivery of radiation to the tumor site using computerized planning and imaging guidance. The 3D HDR brachytherapy machine can treat gynaecological cancers with high accuracy and efficiency, reducing the treatment time and improving the outcomes.
MLCC has a dedicated brachytherapy team that consists of radiation oncologists, gynaecologists, medical physicists, therapy radiographers, and oncology nurses. They work together to provide safe and quality care for each patient, using the latest evidence-based protocols and international standards.
MLCC understands that brachytherapy can cause some side effects, such as vaginal dryness, bleeding, discharge, infection, or pain. That’s why MLCC runs a radiation side effects clinic to evaluate and mitigate side effects from radiation. The clinic offers supportive services such as nutritional counseling, pain management, and psychological counseling. The clinic also monitors the long-term outcomes of brachytherapy patients and provides follow-up care as needed.