Our Practice About Brachytherapy Treatment & Technology Prostate Cancer Research Prostate Cancer Resources Contact Information Frequently Asked Questions If Dr. Olson and I agree that brachytherapy is right for me, what happens next? The next step would be to do an ultrasound to evaluate the size of the prostate gland. This assists with treatment planning and if the gland is too large could indicate the need for a period of hormone suppression to shrink the gland prior to the seed implant. Is brachytherapy covered by insurance? While each insurance is different our experience is that insurance policies that cover external radiation will cover see implants as well. We do, however, recommend that patients contact their insurance carrier prior to any major procedure. If I have brachytherapy will my family be exposed to radiation? Because the seeds are placed precisely into the prostate and because the radiation travels only a short distance in tissue virtually all the radiation is absorbed by the prostate gland. One study with palladium seeds showed spouses averaged 6 millirems of exposure and other family members 0. By comparison persons living in Denver, Colorado are exposed to 50-85 millirems every year. When can I return to work? Most men resume normal activity with two to three days of the procedure. How is the cancer followed? The PSA is considered a good indicator of tumor response and is measured every three to six months for the first few years and annually after five years. Digital rectal exams and ultrasound may also be useful. Why do some patients require external radiation as well as brachytherapy? Low risk (Gleason score less than 6 and PSA less than 10) patients may be treated appropriately with brachytherapy alone. Those at higher risk for recurrence do better with addition of external radiation. The combined procedure allows for higher dose to the prostate and less radiation to the surrounding tissue than is high dose external radiation was used alone. At the initial consultation Dr. Olson will recommend what is best for you. Isn’t surgery best for low risk younger patients? While every patient is unique, many publications have shown brachytherapy may be a very effective treatment for the younger patient as well as older patients. Specifically which treatment is best for you will be discussed at length in your initial consultation with Dr. Olson. Once all my preliminary tests are complete how long will it take to schedule the seed implants. If no hormone treatment is required before the brachytherapy procedure, scheduling can usually be done within 2 weeks I’ve had a TURP for an enlarged prostate gland, can I still have brachytherapy? The TURP procedure changes the anatomy of the prostate and can make the procedure more difficult. Also, patients who have had a TURP are somewhat more likely to experience incontinence after brachytherapy. Nonetheless there are patients who have had a TURP who are candidates for brachytherapy but this issue should be explored carefully with both Dr. Olson and your urologist.  KEEPING YOU INFORMED Visit our Resources section for reliable information on prostate cancer and support groups. Disclaimers  |  Rights & Permissions | Site Map A subsidiary of Minneapolis Radiation Oncology, P.A.