Brachytherapy is a form of radiation where the radiation source is placed very close to the skin cancer. This form of radiation can be applied to the
tumor using metal applicators, a series of tubes, or a flap of beads that conforms to the skin (Freiburg flap). When
high-dose-rate (HDR) treatments are given, treatments are usually scheduled two days per week instead of each day. Long-term studies following patients who have received brachytherapy show that this form of radiation is very effective in treating skin cancer and the vast majority continue to remain cancer free many years after treatment. In general, the cosmetic outcome with HDR brachytherapy is excellent and recovery time is minimal.