Procedure Description:

The treatment of head and cancers requires multi-disciplinary management of radiation, medical and surgical oncology.  3D conformal planning and radiation implants are used to spare normal tissue.  In addition, we participate in national protocols for organ preservation.

Brachytherapy delivers radiation directly to a tumor by putting the radioactive material inside or close to the tumor.  By implanting the radioactive material, very high levels of radiation can be delivered to the tumor while delivering very little radiation to healthy tissue.  Radiation implants are often used in lip, tongue, mouth, and neck cancers.  By using implants, body functions remain normal and disfigurement is minimized.  Implantations use a technique where hollow catheters or needles, which contain radioactive pellets, are placed in the tumor