Initial assessment for suitability for Brachytherapy
An initial consultation is carried out by both a Consultant
Urologist and an Oncologist. Your Consultant will review the stage
and grade of your cancer during this consultation. Several tests
will also be done, including a scan to assess your bladder
emptying, and a flowmeter test to assess your urinary flow. An
Ultrasound scan of your prostate gland will also be completed.
If your Consultant decides that you are ready to start
Brachytherapy treatment, an appointment for your treatment will be
arranged for you. You may need to take medications to shrink your
prostate and improve your urinary flow before you can have your
first treatment. If so, your general practitioner will be advised
to prescribe these medications.
What is a volume study?
A volume study is an ultrasound assessment that is used to
determine the size and shape of the prostate. A volume study is
usually done one to two weeks prior to the first Brachytherapy
treatment, and helps the doctor to decide the number of radioactive
seeds that will be needed for a Brachytherapy treatment. An
ultrasound probe is placed in the rectum and serial ultrasound scan
pictures are taken to assess shape and size of the prostate.
The procedure lasts for about half an hour, and is performed at
the Rivers Hospital.