Identification and management of persistently active brachytherapy seed implants.

Objective: 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.

Conclusion: 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.