There are many different types of implants for these cancers. Sometimes tubes are inserted into the cancer under general anesthesia. These tubes are then loaded afterwards with radioactive iridium sources for various times to treat the tumor “from the inside out.” Later, the tubes and sources are removed.

In other cases, radioactive Iodine-125 seeds can be sewn into the tumor area permanently during an open surgical procedure in the operating room. These seeds slowly emit radiation over months and then become inactive. The inactive seeds do not need to be removed, and the patient can safely interact with other people.