By: Jessica Cihacek
jcihacek@kcautv.com
Brachytherapy.
It's an alternative to traditional "external beam radiation," where a specialized catheter, containing radioactive material is placed directly into the area of the breast where the cancer was removed.
This is usually done twice daily, for about a week, which, Dr. Naden of June E. Nylen Cancer Center, believes is a major selling point for many cancer patients.
Dr. Naden says, "It is a time factor and for some people, that seems insurmountable."
But as the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Dr. Naden explains, "The problem is, whenever you have needles, catheters, balloons in the breast tissue, you, right away run the risk of infection, of bleeding, fluid collection called a seroma."
Which, can many times, result in the breast never actually healing and require a mastectomy as the only remedy.
So, needless to say, when it comes to breast cancer treatment, Dr. Naden is still one of traditional radiation's biggest advocates.
"I know how well the conventional treatment works and cosmetically, how good it looks."
Because ultimately, when it comes to something as life–altering as breast cancer, time should be of the essence, and not a factor in getting well.
But for patients who simply can't bear the thought of six weeks worth of radiation treatment, Dr. Naden says there are other options. Talk to your doctor and discuss what truly is right for you.
