Oncologists preparing the mesh implant
Some forms of lung cancer can be best treated by exposing the cancer to low, steady radiation for a long period of time. This is done by placing radioactive "seeds", implanted in a plastic mesh, in the body near the tumor area. In time, the mesh dissolves and the seeds lose their radioactivity, so the implant never has to be removed.
The implant consists of a piece of mesh made of Vicryl (a plastic designed to dissolve in the body). The mesh is flexible and thin, and looks like a piece of gauze. The radioactive seeds, which are the size and shape of a grain of rice, are implanted in the mesh. The radiation oncologist plans the placement of the implant and the number of seeds to that will be in your implant. The planning is based on the location, size and stage of your cancer.
During surgery, your surgeon places the implant near the lung, then completes the surgery. The implant is left permanently within your body. The mesh is constructed to dissolve in time, and the seeds lose their radioactivity in about a year. Due to the smallness of the seeds, they can remain within your chest without causing any discomfort.
Radiation Oncologists load the seeds into the implant
Surgery can be inconvenient, but after recovery from the surgery, most patients resume their normal lives and aren't conscious of the implant. Diet is generally unaffected. Some patients experience fatigue following the surgery. Because of the radioactive material, you'll need to take care to avoid exposing children and pregnant women to radiation. Although there is very little radiation that exits your body, your radiation oncologist will give you instructions on the necessary precautions to take before your discharge from the hospital.