	Patient Information

	Accreditation
	What To Expect
	Radiation Therapy
	Equipment
	Prostate Seed Implants
	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
	Testimonials
	What's New

	Getting Here
	Contact Us
	Billing Questions
	WWW Links

Prostate Seed Implants

Prostate Brachytherapy: Permanent Radioactive Seed Implant

There are several options for treating prostate cancer. The most common approaches include surgery, external radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), hormonal therapy, and watchful waiting. The type of therapy given depends on a number of factors, including the person's age, general health, and the stage at which prostate cancer was diagnosed.

In prostate brachytherapy, radiation comes from small radioactive pellets (called seeds) that are about the size of a grain of rice. The seeds give off low energy radiation that destroys the cancer in the prostate.

An implant team consisting of a radiation oncologist and a urologist place the seeds (50 to 100) in the prostate by needles through the perineal skin (the area of the body between the scrotum and the rectum between the legs). This is done under anesthesia in an operating room environment. The seeds are so small that they cause no mechanical discomfort and are left in place.

The radioactive materials within the seeds give off radiation for weeks or months. Although the seeds contain radioactive material, you are not radioactive.

There are very few side effects from the implant procedure. Some common ones include soreness or burning beneath the scrotum, minor burning when urinating, urinating more frequently, mild pain or feeling unable to pass urine freely. However, these symptoms are usually treated supportively and many men return to work or their normal activities in just a few days. The symptoms gradually decrease over time as the seeds lose their strength.

A small percentage of men, particularly those, who have had previous prostate surgery, may experience incontinence. Impotence may also occur in some men, particularly those over the age of 70.

As with any medical procedure, the patient is well advised to ask their physician informed questions, review alternatives, and to satisfy himself as to what is involved in all treatment options.

Community CancerCare radiation oncologists perform this procedure at Hartford Hospital and Manchester Memorial Hospital.

Please Note:

The Community CancerCare Web site, its content and programs, is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, or is it intended to create any physician-patient relationship. Please remember this information should not substitute for a visit or consultation with a medical specialist.

Homepage | Site Map | Privacy | Contact Us