Internal radiotherapy

Internal radiotherapy gives radiation from inside the body. There are different types of internal radiotherapy, such as radioactive liquid treatments or brachytherapy (radioactive implants). 

You need to follow some safety procedures when you have internal radiotherapy. This is to protect others from being exposed to radiation.

A sealed radioactive material (called a source or implant) is put into or very close to the cancer. The implants may be left in for several minutes or days. Some are left in permanently.

Radioactive liquid treatments, such as radioactive iodine, can be given as a drink or capsules, or as an injection. Find out about the different types.

You might have regular follow up appointments at the radiotherapy department or at your original hospital. Your treatment team will let you know.