Each radiation treatment lasts just a few minutes. The total dose is given over several weeks. This allows normal tissues affected by the radiation to recover. You may have treatment for several days in a row, followed by several days without treatment. This pattern is repeated until you have received the total dose of radiation.
Internal radiation involves implanting radioactive materials in the part of the body to be treated.
These materials are left in place for a few hours or many hours, depending on the technology used for the treatment. Once implanted, the radioactive materials generally do not cause any pain. If you have any discomfort, you will be given pain medication. If you have a radiation implant, you must stay in your hospital room while the implant is in place. Depending on the type of implant, you may be asked to stay in bed.