RADIUM NEEDLE

Typical Number in Hospital:

Cost Bands:

References: 3

This is a small needle or rod usually made of platinum or iridium alloys and containing a few milligrams of a radioactive substance such as radium or caesium-137. The device is shaped as a needle so that it can be inserted into the tissue to provide localized radiotherapy. At one end is a small hole through which a thread is passed so that the device can be withdrawn. In a typical treatment a number of needles may be inserted in a configuration to provide the best pattern of radiation to the tumour to be treated with minimal radiation beyond.

A larger quantity of radioactive material may be included in a radium tube where the whole device can be inserted into a body space. Such devices are used in the radiotherapy department.