These are markers that allow cancer treatments to be applied to the prostate without damaging healthy tissue.
Often after a diagnosis of prostate cancer It is decided to proceed with its treatment by radiotherapy external.
In these cases, it is advisable to insert fiducial markers, two small needles, usually made of gold, carbon or polymers, one on each side of the prostate, under transrectal ultrasound control, through the perineum, the space between the anus and the testicles.
The markers, along with the small tattoos made on the skin, will allow the radiotherapy machines to target the prostate with high precision, treating the prostate tissue and minimizing the possibility of irradiating neighboring organs, such as the bladder and prostate.
These markers will remain inside the prostate forever, without causing any problems.
Recently, the opportunity has also been taken to inject a spacer gel between the rectum and the prostate during the insertion of fiducial markers. This gel is reabsorbed over time, but it effectively separates the rectum from the prostate. This separation prevents the rectum from receiving a significant dose of radiation, as it is normally in close contact with the prostate. The spacer gel between these organs also prevents rectal-related side effects following radiotherapy.
