|
 |
CANCER CARE
Radiation Oncology | Mammosite Treatment
During mammosite treatment, a breast surgeon positions a balloon catheter into the lumpectomy cavity. To deliver the required amount of radiation, a tiny radioactive "source" is placed inside the balloon catheter by a computer-controlled machine. Placement is guided with CT images and treatment planning software.
The "source" is left in the balloon for a small amount of time (7-10 minutes). During this time the patient is receiving radiation to a targeted area around the lumpectomy cavity, thus called partial breast irradiation. This method of treatment reduces exposure to the whole breast, chest wall, heart and lungs, as opposed to conventional external beam irradiation.
If you would like more information on this method of breast cancer treatment, please call the SwedishAmerican Region Cancer Center's Radiation Oncology department at (815) 489-4850.
 Mammosite Machine
|
|
