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radioactive seed

(RAY-dee-oh-AK-tiv...)
A small, radioactive pellet that is placed in or near a tumor. Cancer cells are killed by the energy given off as the radioactive material breaks down and becomes more stable.
Radioactive seeds; drawing shows a gloved hand using an instrument to pick up small, radioactive seeds.Enlarge this image in new window
Radioactive seeds. Small, radioactive seeds may be placed in or near a tumor to kill cancer cells.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms