Identification and management of persistently active brachytherapy seed implants

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.

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.