MammoSite®
MammoSite is a new brachytherapy technique for delivering radiation treatment to the breast. Brachytherapy is a special use of radiation in which a radioactive source (Iridiu 192) is placed as close as possible to the tumor site. This type of brachytherapy uses a single balloon catheter that is inserted into the space created by the surgical removal of the tumor from the breast. The radiation can be delivered directly to the breast tissue through this catheter. This technique allows a complete course of radiation therapy to be delivered in five days rather than an average of six weeks as with other treatments.
- What Can I expect?
Your surgeon will insert the balloon catheter into your breast during surgery to remove the tumor. Once the
catheter is in place, the balloon-tipped end will be inflated with sterile saline and contrast solution. This
contrast is used to help the radiation oncologist see the position of the balloon on x-ray. The balloon may cause
your breast to feel full or heavy. The portion of the catheter that remains outside the breast will be covered with
a dressing before you go home.
You will return to Radiation Oncology the first working day following your surgery for a CT scan and series of
x-rays called simulation. This will be done for planning purposes. The next working day, your treatment will begin.
Typical treatment is twice a day, scheduled six hours apart, for five days. Each visit will take about an hour and
a half, one hour for x-rays and fifteen minutes for treatment. You may leave between treatments.
For the actual treatment, you will be taken into the brachytherapy treatment room. The portion of the catheter
left outside the breast will be attached to a computer controlled brachytherapy treatment machine. Your doctors'
nurse and therapist will leave the room so they can observe and communicate with you while the treatment is being
given. You will not feel the treatment.
After you complete your course of treatment, the balloon catheter will be deflated and removed by the radiation
oncologist. The doctor will place a small adhesive strip over the catheter site. This strip should be left on until
it falls off.
Your surgeon will insert the balloon catheter into your breast during surgery to remove the tumor. Once the catheter is in place, the balloon-tipped end will be inflated with sterile saline and contrast solution. This contrast is used to help the radiation oncologist see the position of the balloon on x-ray. The balloon may cause your breast to feel full or heavy. The portion of the catheter that remains outside the breast will be covered with a dressing before you go home.
You will return to Radiation Oncology the first working day following your surgery for a CT scan and series of x-rays called simulation. This will be done for planning purposes. The next working day, your treatment will begin. Typical treatment is twice a day, scheduled six hours apart, for five days. Each visit will take about an hour and a half, one hour for x-rays and fifteen minutes for treatment. You may leave between treatments.
For the actual treatment, you will be taken into the brachytherapy treatment room. The portion of the catheter left outside the breast will be attached to a computer controlled brachytherapy treatment machine. Your doctors' nurse and therapist will leave the room so they can observe and communicate with you while the treatment is being given. You will not feel the treatment.
After you complete your course of treatment, the balloon catheter will be deflated and removed by the radiation oncologist. The doctor will place a small adhesive strip over the catheter site. This strip should be left on until it falls off.
- Will I be radioactive?
No. The radioactive source is inserted into the catheter only during your treatment. No
source of radiation remains in your body between treatments or after the final treatment is completed. This is
verified by a simple survey done by the therapist before and after each treatment.
No. The radioactive source is inserted into the catheter only during your treatment. No source of radiation remains in your body between treatments or after the final treatment is completed. This is verified by a simple survey done by the therapist before and after each treatment.
- How do I take care of the catheter?
- Wear a bra for support and protection of the catheter.
- Keep the catheter site dry at all times. Do not shower, sponge bathe only.
- Handle the catheter as little as possible.
- Limit your physical activities to prevent dislodging the catheter.
- The nurse will change the catheter dressing each day that you come in for treatment.
- Wear a bra for support and protection of the catheter.
- Keep the catheter site dry at all times. Do not shower, sponge bathe only.
- Handle the catheter as little as possible.
- Limit your physical activities to prevent dislodging the catheter.
- The nurse will change the catheter dressing each day that you come in for treatment.
- What are the side effects?
Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, bruising and pain in the breast area.
These usually last for only a short time. Mild discomfort or tenderness can usually be relieved with acetaminophen
(Tylenol). Some patients may also experience drainage from the catheter site.
Signs and symptoms to report to your doctor include:
- Sudden onset of a large amount of drainage from the catheter insertion site that is either red or clear in color.
- Warmth, redness, or swelling of the breast.
- Moderate to severe breast pain.
- Fever greater than 101.5 degrees. (The nurse will check your temperature before each treatment.)
- Moist, peeling skin.
Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, bruising and pain in the breast area. These usually last for only a short time. Mild discomfort or tenderness can usually be relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Some patients may also experience drainage from the catheter site.
Signs and symptoms to report to your doctor include:
- Sudden onset of a large amount of drainage from the catheter insertion site that is either red or clear in color.
- Warmth, redness, or swelling of the breast.
- Moderate to severe breast pain.
- Fever greater than 101.5 degrees. (The nurse will check your temperature before each treatment.)
- Moist, peeling skin.
- What follow up care can I expect?
You will need to schedule a one-month follow up appointment to return
to see your radiation oncologist. Your surgeon will also schedule a follow up appointment.
You will need to schedule a one-month follow up appointment to return to see your radiation oncologist. Your surgeon will also schedule a follow up appointment.