Identification and management of persistently active brachytherapy seed implants.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to review the history of permanently implanted brachytherapy sources and to establish methods of identifying radon sources and discussing appropriate management.


CONCLUSIONS
There are likely thousands of people bearing radon seeds that continue to emit radiation decades after implantation. They can be identified by clinical history and emission of characteristic x-rays. Surgical removal of these sources is rarely warranted.
Aronowitz
Jesse N
JN
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Levine Cancer Center, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. aronowitz@radium-therapy.com
Gay
Hiram A
HA
Clark
Timothy J
TJ
Mota
Helvecio
H
Bushe
Harry
H
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006046:Gold; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011859:Radiography; D011886:Radon; D012834:Silver
D012834:Silver; D006046:Gold; D011886:Radon