How Is Brachytherapy Done In Singapore

There is cancer that occurs in the head and neck, known as nasopharyngeal cancer. This type of cancer is rare and commonly seen on the throat connecting to the back of the mouth and nose.

 These are the things you need to know about nasopharyngeal cancer:

 CAUSE

 Epstein-Barr virus links to this type of cancer. However, its original cause is not yet determined. The Epstein-Barr virus causes glandular fever, but people with this fever are not prone to having cancer. 

The connection between the virus and nasopharyngeal cancer is still under research. But, there are theories about the genetic link of the virus to the nasopharynx causing the cells to grow oddly. 

SYMPTOMS

 If you start feeling some pain or numbness on the face, it is necessary to check your vision if it will become blurry. If you do not experience these two, check if there is a lump in your neck, headache, hearing loss, nosebleeds, and sore throat. 

You might need to go to a Mount Elizabeth radiation doctor to check it and take necessary actions to prevent it from getting worse

 TREATMENT 

The nasopharyngeal cancer treatment could be through proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy. But, the most common treatment is brachytherapy.

 Brachytherapy in Singapore uses implants through radiation. This procedure is surgical, where the radiation doctor implants pellets or rods near the location of cancer or treat the tumour. 

DIAGNOSIS 

Once you go to the radiation doctor, they will do some imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan, and Ultrasound on the neck to diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer. They can also do other tests like CBC, Epstein-Barr virus test, and blood tests.

 RISK FACTORS

 Nasopharyngeal cancer mostly appears in people who are from southeast Asia and North Africa. It is also common in men, family history, and Epstein-Barr virus patients. 

If you are looking for a Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital radiation doctor, visit Dr Johann Tang - Radiation Oncologist’s website and see the treatments they do.

Resource:

https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/health/how-brachytherapy-done-singapore