Prostate Cancer
Prostate Seed Implant: how long does radiation last?
What is the short answer?
The seeds give off most of their radiation over the first few months.
Depending on the type, it drops to almost nothing within about a year.
What else should I know?
The seeds stay in place for good and are harmless after that.
Side effects usually improve over months.
When should I make an appointment?
If you're considering seeds, schedule a visit to see if they fit your cancer.
What happens at a visit?
Our two Gwinnett offices each include a surgery center: Snellville at 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078 and Lawrenceville at 501 Crown Pointe Way, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Let us know which part of the county you call home, and we’ll take it from there.
How do our urologists approach this?
Our urologists make sure you understand how seed implants work before you commit to them. That includes how the radiation fades over the first year and why the seeds can stay in place for good afterward. We check whether your cancer’s risk level and prostate size fit seeds, and we compare them with surgery, HIFU and active surveillance.
What happens at a visit?
Have your biopsy report, MRI and PSA values with you. We’ll talk about your urinary symptoms now, since seeds can cause frequency for a few months. Then we’ll explain how planning, the procedure day and your PSA follow-up work.
How should I prepare?
Bring your biopsy, MRI and PSA results. Note your current urinary symptoms.
When should I call?
Call us after your implant if you can’t urinate, see heavy blood or clots, or have fever. If you can’t urinate or have a fever, go to the ER first.
What do patients often ask?
These are the questions we hear most, each with a short answer.
Are the seeds removed later?
No. They stay in place for good, and after the radiation fades they cause no harm.
Will I have urinary symptoms?
Frequency and urgency are common for a few months and usually improve over time.
Is there a video on this?
Watch Dr. A. Dev Mally discuss prostate cancer and how it’s treated.
- Watch: Dr. Mally on Prostate Cancer What the video covers: Dr. Mally talks about prostate cancer.
What should I read next?
Educational content; your own care plan comes from a visit. Back to the reading room