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Intracavitary brachytherapy
Source: Radiation for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: Not stated in this source · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
NCI patient treatment article for this disease Exact source article; not a clinically reviewed indication or current-standard recommendation.
Intracavitary brachytherapy is the most common type of brachytherapy for breast cancer. In this form of brachytherapy, a balloon, applicator, or similar device is inserted into the space where the cancer was, either during or a few days after breast-conserving surgery. A radioactive pellet is placed into the device during each treatment session and then removed after each treatment.
Treatments usually last about 5 to 10 minutes and are given 2 times a day for 5 days. After about 2 weeks, the device is removed. You may need stitches to close the hole when treatment is complete.
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice