Michigan Oncology and Cancer Michigan | David Harold, MD

MICHIGAN ONCOLOGY AND CANCER CARE

Through cutting edge research and treatment innovations, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is at the forefront of efforts to combat Cancer in Michigan and provide the best in Michigan oncology care. Our patients are treated with the utmost care and respect to help them overcome cancer and other oncology related diseases.

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OF THE MEDICAL REPORT

David Harold, MD

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
Urologist

THE FACTS ABOUT BRACHYTHERAPY

Background

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the male prostate gland – a small, chestnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra. Potentially life threatening, symptoms include dull pain in the lower pelvic region, urgency of urination, and blood in the urine. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 250,000 new cases of prostate cancer this year.

Podcast Posted: 8/30/2007
Duration: 01:00

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Today, physicians are turning to an innovative new therapy called Brachytherapy – or seed therapy – a procedure that involves implanting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. Radiation is delivered inside the body with radioactive isotopes via delivery devices such as wires, seeds, or rods.

There are two types of brachytherapy treatment: High dose rate (HDR) uses a highly radioactive source that is temporarily inserted into the affected area of the prostate. The high intensity radiation is timed over a period of minutes and often repeated over the course of the next few days. Low dose rate (LDR), the most common of the two, uses low dose radioactive seeds that are permanently implanted into the prostate. The goal is to destroy the tumor in the area where a seed has been placed.

ADVANTAGES
“Brachytherapy delivers a higher dose of radiation over a shorter period – as contrasted with traditional external beams,” says David Harold, MD and SJMO urologist. “The dose is concentrated on the cancer cells and less damage is done to the normal, healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous growth. ”

CAUTIONS
For most men, early diagnosis of prostate cancer is very important,since it can lead to bladder control problems and erectile dysfunction. It is important to consult with your doctor if you experience any symptoms of prostate cancer.

REFERRAL
Please call the SJMO physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to find an SJMO oncologist near you.

THE MEDICAL REPORT LIBRARY:

MICHIGAN ONCOLOGY AND CANCER CARE

	Oncology Clinical Trials Judie Goodman, MD Posted: 8/30/2007
	Multi-Disciplinary Tumor Conference Alaa Owainati, MD Posted: 8/30/2007
	Brachytherapy David Harold, MD Posted: 8/30/2007

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