Prostate Cancer Radiation Treatment By Radioactive Seed Implants

Prostate cancer radiation treatment by radioactive seed implants is one approach, while beaming radiation to kill the cancer cells is another.

Prostate cancer radiation treatment by radioactive seed implants is also called brachytherapy. This type of treatment has become popular as a way of addressing one’s prostate cancer condition.

The radioactive seeds used in this procedure may contain one of several radioactive isotopes that include palladium and iodine. Around 40 to a hundred rice-sized seeds are implanted in one’s prostate by the use of ultrasound-guided needles. The actual number of radioactive seeds to be implanted depends on the size of one’s prostate. At times, one is made to undergo hormone therapy so that the prostate shrinks in size before the radioactive seeds are implanted as a means of prostate cancer radiation treatment.

This type of prostate cancer radiation treatment will usually last within 1 to 2 hours with general anesthesia given. It is applicable for men who have small or medium-sized prostates – and with those with low-grade prostate cancers.

The radioactive seeds for prostate cancer radiation treatment will not require removal after its use – usually after a year of providing the radiation treatment on the cancer cells. One is advised though, to stay some 6 feet away from pregnant women, who may be very sensitive to radiation and may incur some side effects with such exposure.

Prostate cancer radiation treatment by implanting radioactive seeds will emit radiation that is effective in only a few millimeters from their location. This may affect your urethra that may cause one to experience painful urination. Medical attention may be necessary on these cases, especially if you experience this most frequently.

The use of radioactive seeds for prostate cancer treatment may have more severe effects on one’s urinary function, as compared to the treatment that uses external radiation or EBRT (External-Beam Radiation Therapy). One should also be aware the risk of impotence with this type of approach. With rectal problems or symptoms however, the effect is less severe.

One should carefully consider the possible effects of prostate cancer radiation treatment by way of radioactive seeds implantation on one’s prostate. Compare it with the other approach to radiation treatment – EBRT – and find that, which you think is best for your case. Your doctor’s input is well needed on the appropriate way to go for your specific condition – it is best to give his recommendation due weight.