What are brachytherapy seeds used for?

A seed is a tiny sealed radioactive source. A specialist places it in a planned position using a needle, catheter, or applicator, depending on the body area and treatment plan. The radiation travels a short distance, which allows the team to treat the intended tissue while limiting exposure to nearby areas.

Some seeds stay in place and release radiation gradually; others are placed temporarily and removed after the planned treatment. The choice depends on the tumour, its location, and the treatment schedule. Brachytherapy may be used alone or alongside external-beam radiation, surgery, or another cancer treatment.

Your oncology team will explain scans, medicines, eating and drinking instructions, and whether you need someone to take you home. Tell them about pregnancy, possible pregnancy, medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, and previous reactions to anaesthesia.

After placement, follow the team’s instructions about wound care, activity, bathing, and contact with other people. Temporary implants are removed according to the plan. If a seed remains in place, you receive specific radiation-safety advice before leaving.

Contact your treatment team promptly for fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, increasing swelling, new difficulty passing urine or stool, or a wound that becomes red and drains. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden confusion.

Ask which body area will be treated, whether the seeds are temporary or permanent, what anaesthesia is planned, which side effects need a call, and what radiation-safety precautions apply at home.