Radioembolization Y-91: A Treatment Option at Alamogordo Imaging Center
Radioembolization Y-91 is a treatment option at Alamogordo Imaging Center in Alamogordo, NM that is gaining attention among patients suffering from lung cancer or other types of cancer that have already spread to other parts of the body. It has been found to be especially helpful in treating certain liver tumors and brain tumors as well. Learn more about this treatment option here.
What is radioembolization?
What conditions can be treated with radioembolization?
How is radioembolization performed?
What are the side effects of radioembolization?
Are there any risks associated with radioembolization?
What is radioembolization?
Alamogordo Imaging Center offers Radioembolization, a treatment option for certain kinds of cancer. The procedure involves injecting tiny particles called microspheres into the bloodstream of a patient with cancer. These particles contain radioactive material that delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor. This causes cells in the tumor to die and shrink, and it can slow or stop the growth of the tumor over time.
What conditions can be treated with radioembolization?
The most commonly treated conditions with radioembolization are arteriovenous malformations and lung cancer. Radiologists use a catheter to inject microspheres of material into the diseased blood vessel, which can block the flow of blood to the tumor. This treatment is non-invasive and can be done as an outpatient procedure, so there is less risk for side effects and complications than surgery. Radioembolization may also be used in conjunction with other therapies such as chemotherapy.
How is radioembolization performed?
Alamogordo Imaging Center offers Radioembolization Y-91, a treatment option for patients with liver cancer. The procedure is performed by injecting small beads containing the radioactive material yttrium – 90 into the hepatic artery to block the blood flow to a tumor. We offer this service in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy and can provide imaging guidance for radiotherapy treatments.
In most cases, radioembolization does not require hospitalization and requires only one day of bed rest following the procedure.
Are there any risks associated with radioembolization?
The main risk associated with Radioembolization is the potential for a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary emboli are blood clots that travel to the lungs. They can cause serious health problems, including death. If you have had a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli in the past, your doctor will discuss with you whether this treatment is appropriate for you. There are other risks associated with radioembolization, but these risks are low and vary from person to person.
What are the side effects of radioembolization?
Side effects of Radioembolization Y-91 include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and rash. These are all short-term side effects and should not last for more than a week. If you experience any other side effects that are significant or long-lasting please contact your physician. While there is no absolute guarantee that these treatments will be successful, we have had great success with patients who have been diagnosed with liver cancer in the past. The procedure is fast, painless and performed under sedation, meaning that recovery time is minimal. Our physicians know what to do if something does go wrong during treatment, which means minimal downtime for our patients. The goal of this type of treatment is to reduce the size of an abnormal liver tumor by blocking it off from its blood supply by using a contrast agent such as iodine or yttrium (Y-90) microspheres. The tumor cells then eventually die because they can’t get oxygen through their new blockage!