Radioactive seeds in brachytherapy

Some implants remain in the body and release less radiation over time. Other brachytherapy techniques move a temporary source through needles, catheters or applicators and remove it after delivery. The word “seed” is sometimes used loosely, so confirm which method your team means.

Permanent seed implantation places sealed sources at planned positions within tissue, most commonly in the prostate. The inactive seed casings can remain after the radiation has faded. They do not travel around the body under normal circumstances.

Temporary brachytherapy instead positions hollow applicators first. An afterloader sends a source along each channel, pauses at calculated points and withdraws it when delivery ends. This method can treat sites including the prostate, cervix, womb and vagina without leaving radioactive material behind.

Keep the treatment card and follow the centre's written precautions. With permanent implants, advice may cover close contact with pregnant people or young children for a limited period. The instructions depend on the source and placement, so use the dates and distances supplied specifically to you.

Take prescribed medicines correctly and attend planning or follow-up imaging. If you pass or find what might be a seed, do not handle it with bare fingers; keep others away and contact the treatment centre for immediate instructions.

Get urgent clinical advice for inability to pass urine, fever, heavy bleeding, increasing swelling, severe pain, persistent vomiting or foul-smelling discharge. Seek emergency help for collapse, serious breathing difficulty or bleeding that cannot be controlled.

Local soreness, bruising, urinary irritation or bowel changes vary with the treated site. Report a symptom that is worsening, prevents fluid intake or is not controlled by the medicines provided.

Ask for the exact name of the source, whether it is permanent or temporary, and where it will be placed. Find out what anaesthesia and imaging are used and which nearby organs may become irritated.

Before leaving, confirm personal contact precautions, airport or security advice, the response if a seed is found, and the telephone number for urgent problems.