[b]Lewisville, TX[/b] – Prostate seed implants are a form of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Also known as brachytherapy or internal radiation therapy, this treatment option is administered in two ways known as permanent brachytherapy and temporary brachytherapy.

“Brachytherapy is a convenient and non-invasive way to treat prostate cancer,” explained Dr. Jimenez. “It may be administered alone or in combination with other therapies if the disease is in a later stage of development or if the patient is at higher risk of the disease. Whatever your case is, ensure that your physician will work with you to make the best decision for treatment.”

Here are significant facts about prostate seed implants:

• Prostate seed implants treat early-stage prostate cancer that is still contained within the prostate. It can eliminate small and moderately sized prostate glands.

• It can be combined with hormone therapy to shrink and treat a large prostate gland. For the high-grade type of prostate cancer, the patient will require both seed implantation and external beam radiotherapy.

• A radiation oncologist and a urologist work together when performing the implant. The urologist performs a transrectal ultrasound while the radiation oncologist carries out the brachytherapy treatment. Transrectal ultrasound uses sound waves to project the video image of the prostate gland and allow the radiation oncologist to measure the size of the prostate, arrange the implantation and place the seeds.

• Prostate seed implant is a less invasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer cells with few side effects. It takes some weeks or months for the seeds to disintegrate and release radiation to the tumor. The procedure takes only an hour, and the patient can go home on the same day.

• It has been proven to be a very effective, low-risk procedure for early-stage prostate cancer with fewer complications and side effects. Once the cancer cells are removed, there's no residual radioactive material in the prostate gland.

“Prostate cancer has been known to recur after treatment,” continued Dr. Jimenez. “The good news is that once this happens, it can be dealt with by successful repeat of brachytherapy.”

[b]About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group[/b]

The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.