Holston Valley first hospital in region to perform procedure

From Staff Reports
KINGSPORT - Physicians at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center are seasoned veterans in the battle against prostate cancer, performing more than 500 brachytherapy procedures since 2001.
On Monday, Feb. 16, Bard Urological -- makers of the tiny radioactive seeds implanted into the prostate during brachytherapy -- will recognize Wellmont Holston Valley as the first area hospital to perform a milestone 500 brachytherapy cases.
An awards luncheon will be held at noon in thehospital's radiation oncology department.
Media representatives are invited to attend.
"Experience does count," said Dr. Byron May, a radiation oncologist at Wellmont Holston Valley. "Local residents don't have to travel to a large city to find expertise in brachytherapy and prostate cancer treatment."
Brachytherapy is an outpatient treatment option for men with prostate cancer. During the procedure, tiny radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the prostate to deliver a highly concentrated dose of radiation to the cancerous area. Brachytherapy is an alternative to surgical prostatectomy.