What does the team do with the ultrasound images?
Dr. Grimm or Sylvester draws the area to be treated on each ultrasound image of the prostate. This area includes the prostate and some tissue beyond the gland. The area treated is slightly larger than the prostate to insure that that the prostate and potential areas of cancer spread is well covered by the radiation dose. The physics team (dosimetrist and physicist) will create a plan or map of the implant on the computer. Seeds are placed throughout the gland in order to cover both the gland and the area of potential cancer spread outside the gland with the prescribed dose. Careful attention is made to insure that the bladder, rectum and urethra are protected from excessively high doses. The careful positioning of seeds results in a cloud of radiation that covers the prostate gland while minimizing exposure of the urinary bladder, urethra and rectum. Once a plan is completed by the physics team, it is sent to Dr. Grimm or Sylvester for final approval and adjustment, if necessary. Only
