Articles · Prostate
What is brachytherapy, or seed implants, for prostate cancer?
Tiny radioactive seeds, about the size of a grain of rice, are placed inside the prostate through needles, guided by ultrasound. They deliver radiation from inside over weeks to months.
The seeds
Tiny radioactive seeds, about the size of a grain of rice, are placed inside the prostate through needles, guided by ultrasound. They deliver radiation from inside over weeks to months.
The procedure
It's usually a single outpatient procedure in our surgery centers.
Side effects
It may cause urinary symptoms for a while.
Who it fits
It fits certain low- and intermediate-risk cancers.
Is it right for me?
Seed implants may be discussed when you are weighing radiation for prostate cancer, alongside surgery and monitoring, based on your PSA, biopsy and imaging. Bring those reports to our Alpharetta / Roswell office so our urologists can compare the options in your case. Every procedure has risks, which are reviewed before anything is scheduled.
Request an appointment at Advanced Urology.
Questions to bring to your visit
- Is my cancer low or intermediate risk?
- What urinary symptoms should I plan for, and for how long?
What happens at your visit with us?
Our urologists review your PSA, biopsy and imaging, and may use ultrasound beforehand to plan where the seeds go. Ultrasound is used to plan where each seed goes.
When should I call us?
Call us if you are weighing radiation against surgery or monitoring, or if urinary symptoms after seed placement are bothering you. Bring prior PSA results, biopsy reports and any imaging so the conversation at 11660 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 700 is based on the same material. Inability to urinate or fever after a procedure belongs in an emergency room.
How do our urologists approach this?
Our urologists lay out the options for your risk level side by side, including surgery, radiation and active surveillance. After seeds are placed, regular PSA checks show how the cancer is responding.
Our urologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners see adults from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple and Mountain Park at our Alpharetta / Roswell office.
Related video
Dr. A. Dev Mally of Advanced Urology talks about prostate cancer:
Related reading from our team
- Robotic Prostatectomy: Who Is a Fit?
- How to Prepare for a Prostate Biopsy
- What Is an MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsy?
Related care: prostate cancer care at our Alpharetta / Roswell office.
Read more from Advanced Urology: Prostate brachytherapy · Brachytherapy
For education, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks and benefits. Emergency? Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Whenever you’re ready, our Alpharetta / Roswell team would be glad to hear from you.