Brachytherapy
Internal radiation therapy in which radioactive sources are placed directly inside or next to a tumour to deliver a high, targeted radiation dose.
Overview
Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiotherapy in which sealed radioactive sources are implanted directly into or adjacent to a tumour, delivering a high radiation dose to the cancer while minimising exposure to healthy tissue. It is widely used for prostate, cervical, breast and other cancers, as either a permanent low-dose-rate seed implant or a temporary high-dose-rate treatment. Because the radiation is highly localised, treatment courses are often shorter than external-beam radiotherapy. It can be used alone or combined with other treatments.
Before you travel: what the CDC recommends
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidance for Americans travelling abroad for medical care. These are its recommendations, not ours.
- Check the qualifications of the clinician who will perform the procedure and the credentials of the facility.
- Bring copies of your medical records, including lab and other test results related to your condition.
- Make sure you can get follow-up care in the United States. Care for complications can be expensive and might not be covered by your health insurance.
- Obtain international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States.
- Plan for the possibility of paying out of pocket for additional or emergency care.
- See your own healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss risks specific to your health.
- Delay air travel for 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery, to reduce risks from changes in cabin pressure.
Brachytherapy abroad: frequently asked questions
Will U.S. insurance pay for brachytherapy abroad?
Most U.S. health plans do not pay for elective surgery abroad, and cosmetic procedures are not covered at all. The CDC also warns that care for complications after surgery abroad may not be covered, so check your plan before you book.