Hi AK,

I had RT in 2006 and before I began treatment I consulted with two radiation oncologist - one was at a major cancer center in Philadelphia PA area and the other was at my local hospital (which is where I ended up having treatment).

We questioned both medical teams about brachytherapy and neither recommended it for me. Since it was so long ago, I don't recall all the specifics about it other than regular RT covers a broader area (in my case tongue, jaw and neck), whereas I believe in brachytherapy the radiated field is more concentrated. There are pros and cons for both options, but this needs to be discussed with his doctors.

I'm not a doctor nor do I have any type of medical degree so I'm only telling you what I can remember from 2006.

Is your brother having a neck dissection? If so, I would think the decision on type of RT should be made after the neck dissection. If any of the lymph nodes come back positive for cancer, I would be surprised and alarmed if the doctor did not recommend "regular" RT which should radiate the neck area also.

As others have said, this is not a very common treatment for oral cancer. The only OC patients I recall having this had already had radiation and then a recurrence.

Your brother is lucky to have you as a sister. Wishing him the best!