While cancer treatment is often associated with hair loss, there's no evidence that brachytherapy (also known as radioactive seed implantation) causes this particular side effect. Hair loss from the scalp can be seen following many types of chemotherapy, as well as radiation therapy directed at the brain or skull.
In brachytherapy for prostate cancer, tiny radioactive pellets or seeds are inserted by needle through the skin directly into the prostate gland. The radiation released by the pellets travels only a short distance, but is powerful enough to kill nearby cancer cells. Brachytherapy is generally used for small or less aggressive types of prostate cancer. While it can cause problems with bladder and sexual function, side effects from radioactive seed implants are generally less than with surgery or with traditional (or external beam) radiation therapy.
