Brachytherapy is a method of delivering a high dose of radiation to a small area. In the case of the breast cancer, after the surgeon has removed the tumor there is a small cavity left in the breast. Later, we'll put a special treatment device into that cavity -- there are several vendors now that make these treatment devices -- what they have in common, is a balloon or catheter with expandable struts that can be inflated to conform to the lumpectomy cavity. And it has a catheter that extends external to the breast . This is connected to the treatment machine which sends a miniature radiation source into the treatment device. The idea is to give the radiation from the inside out. To give high dose to the high risk area and minimize the dose to the rest of the breast. Long term that should translate to a better cosmetic result . The other advantage is that the treatment is completed in just ten treatments. Every day for five straight days, morning and afternoon, and then the device is removed.
