Mammosite is a radiation treatment technique for select cases of women with early stage breast cancer. A balloon is inserted in the cavity where the cancer was removed. If the final pathology confirms the women to be a good candidate for treatment, a radioactive seed is inserted in a balloon in the lumpectomy site to deliver the radiation treatment. Thus, treatment is given from the inside out.
Mammosite treatment has two advantages over standard radiation. The first is that treatment is delivered over 5 days instead of 6 ½ weeks. Treatments are given twice a day, six hours apart. The second reason is that because only part of the breast is treated, the breast usually looks better after treatment. In other words, the cosmetic result is improved.
Mammosite was FDA approved in 2002. As it has not been available as long as standard radiation, there is less data on long term effects. It is approved for women over 60 years of age with very early disease. Your doctor can evaluate whether you are a candidate for Mammosite