Comprehensive Cancer Care Services

Services | Radiation Therapy| Prostate Brachytherapy

Prostate Brachytherapy

A common method for the treatment of prostate cancer is interstitial brachytherapy also referred to as a “prostate seed implant”. This procedure is performed in the surgery department of our local hospitals and can typically be done on an outpatient basis. The procedure consists of permanent implantation of radioactive seeds into the prostate gland through the perineum. The perineum is the area of skin between the scrotum and the anus. The implantation procedure is performed in the operating room while the patient is asleep or numb from the waist down. An imaging device known as an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to visualize and guide placement of the seeds into the prostate. After the procedure, the patient will temporarily contain a small amount of radiation from the seeds. Although this amount is not generally dangerous to most other people, some physicians may advise patients to avoid close contact with young children or pregnant women for several weeks. Because implant radiation focuses the radiation closely around the prostate, this method of radiation delivery is best suited for patients with early stage cancers and is an option for adding additional dose to the prostate in higher-risk patients after they have completed radiation to the pelvic lymph nodes.

Prostate Cancer Options