OBJECTIVETo treat oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors with radioactive seed implantation and observe the therapeutic results and side effects.

METHODSThirty-six patients with oral and maxillofacial malignancy were treated by radioactive seeds implanting (operation and seed implantation or seed implantation only). The treatment plans were designed before implanting by treatment plan system (TPS). All patients were followed up for 6 - 36 months with an average of 14 months and the results evaluated.

RESULTSIn 3 patients treated only by seed implantation, the tumor size reduced obviously and the symptoms alleviated in 2 patients with advanced disease, and the tumor got complete remission in one patient with tongue cancer. In the other 33 patients who were implanted after operation, no recurrence was seen in the target area, but recurrence or lymph node metastasis was found outside the target area in 3 patients. There were no unusual complaint and external radiotherapeutic side effects except for skin hyperemia occurred in 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONSRadioactive seed implantation is very effective for preventing recurrence and metastasis of oral and maxillofacial malignancy.