Pros and Cons of Implants
Frequently Asked Questions about Permanent Radioactive
Seed Implants for Prostate Cancer
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Main FAQ Page
Prostate Cancer Issues
Logistics of a Permanent Implant
Side Effects of a Permanent Implant
Potency after a Permanent Implant
Radiation Safety after Permanent Implant
Pros and Cons of Implants
Follow-up after a Permanent Implant
What are the advantages of permanent seed implantation as compared
to other treatment options?
For most patients, seed implantation is a one-time, non-surgical, low-impact
procedure. Patients can return to normal activity, including work, within
one to three days, with little or no pain.
When else might permanent seed implant therapy be considered?
This procedure is an alternative for men who have early-stage prostate
cancer with a low risk of disease outside the gland. Permanent seed implantation
is also an attractive option for men whose poor health precludes radical
prostatectomy, as is 3D-confromal radiotherapy.
Does the radiation from permanent seed implants pose any danger to
organs or tissue surrounding the prostate?
Because seeds are implanted accurately into the prostate, they pose little
risk to surrounding organs or tissue, therefore having low complication
rates. The radioactive isotopes used in this procedure (Iodine and Palladium)
decay over a period of a few months.
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