What Is Prostate Brachytherapy
Years ago, the only way to treat a patient diagnosed with cancer was through surgery. Nowadays, the use of laser beams has made it possible to fight the disease without cutting the patient open.
Now, there is a new procedure being used to help those with prostate cancer. It involves implanting a radioactive seed into the affected area better known as Prostate Brachytherapy.
There are two types of seeds used in Prostate Brachytherapy. It is either the Iodine I-125 or the Palladium Pd-103. Both of these emit low levels of radiation so it will not kill the patient and instead do the job to destroy the cancer cells.
The number of seeds implanted in the body varies. The number is from 40 to 130. These will remain in the body permanently even if it loses its radioactivity within three to six months.
Brachytherapy requires only minor surgery. This means a few tiny cuts will be made so the seeds can be implanted then closed. It is in fact an out patient procedure so you can come in the morning and be out by the late afternoon and the patient will be able to report back to work a few days later.
The chances of anyone being exposed to radiation are very minimal. But to be on the safe side, the patient should not come into contact with young children or pregnant females.
Before the seeds are implanted, doctors will first examine where these should be placed. This is done with a transrectal ultrasound wherein a small camera enters through the rectum and sends images back to the computer.
Analysis of these images will then dictate how many seeds will be implanted and exactly where these will be placed.
Days before the procedure, the patient will also have to undergo a blood test, X-ray and EKG. Blood thinners that were also given are discontinued to prevent the risk of bleeding.
On the day the seeds will be implanted, doctors will give the patient an enema to get one last look of the prostate gland. If everything looks good, the person is then transported to the operating room and either general or spinal anesthesia is administered.
A team composed of an urologist and an oncologist will be working together to make sure the seeds are implanted in the right places. This is usually finished in less than an hour. Before the operation is finished, the urologist will perform a cytoscopy to make sure there are no seeds dislodged in the bladder or the urethra.
The patient will have to return a few days later to undergo a CT scan to check on the seeds.
The use of seeds in prostate brachytherapy is considered to be a permanent solution for this illness. In some cases, a temporary procedure is used known as high dose rate brachytherapy.
Here, catheters will be inserted into the body so that treatment for prostate cancer will begin. This is removed after each session so nothing is left in the body.
Studies have shown that prostate brachytherapy is very successful at controlling the growth of the cancer cells within the gland. Follow through is important and this can only happen by having regular visits weeks and months after the procedure.
A PSA blood test and a physical exam will be asked of the patient to check on the status of the prostate.
Prostate Tip #1
As men age, they should think about prostate problem prevention since men in their fifties have a higher risk of developing an enlarged prostate or even cancer. It takes less money to prevent a disease from happening rather than treating it.
Prostate Tip #2
It will be in your best interests to get a prostate screening annually from your physician once you reach age 45 to determine if you have any problems with your prostate. This will also help your physician detect any cancer while it is still in its early stages.