Radiation Seed Implant Treatment in Central Coast, CA
Gold seed or Radiation seed placement, also known as fiducial marker placement, is a procedure commonly used in the treatment planning of prostate cancer, particularly for patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Indications for gold seed placement include accurately localizing the prostate gland and tumor for precise radiation delivery.
What's Involved?
The procedure involves inserting small, inert gold seeds (typically 3 to 5 millimeters in length) into the prostate gland under transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance. Patients may receive local anesthesia or sedation to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The gold seeds serve as reference points or landmarks for the radiation oncologist to precisely target the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
What Are the Risks?
While gold seed placement is generally safe, potential risks include discomfort or pain during or after the procedure, temporary rectal bleeding, urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency, and rare complications such as infection or migration of the gold seeds. However, these risks are typically minimal, and most patients tolerate the procedure well with few adverse effects.
In Conclusion
Overall, gold seed placement plays a crucial role in optimizing the accuracy and effectiveness of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer, contributing to better treatment outcomes and reduced side effects for patients.
