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GCSE Physics · key term
Internal radiotherapy in which sealed radioactive sources are placed inside or next to a tumour.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 6.33P · Paper 1
Revise: Tumour TreatmentBrachytherapy places sealed radioactive sources directly inside or next to the tumour. The radioactive material is enclosed in a non-radioactive metal capsule, often called a seed. Keeping the source close to the target allows a high dose to be concentrated in a relatively small region and can reduce the radiation reaching some surrounding organs.
Use precise location language: external-beam radiation travels into the body from an outside source, whereas brachytherapy places a radioactive source inside or next to the tumour.
Distinguish temporary brachytherapy, in which the source is removed, from permanent implants, whose activity decreases as the radioactive nuclei decay.
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