Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Filed Under Radiation |
Radiation therapy is commonly used along with other treatments for prostate cancer to ensure maximum survival rates. There are two types of this treatment, both external and internal. Side effects can be serious but may subside in time. Compared to surgery, radiation therapy alone generally works just about as well.
The two types of radiation treatment are external beam, and brachytherapy. External beam involves a high-intensity X-ray aimed directly at the prostate cancer, which kills the cancer cells. Brachytherapy is the process of planting small rice-sized “seeds” of radioactive material directly into the prostate gland, irradiating the cancer cells from within. Brachytherapy is generally used with lower risk patients and can be performed on an outpatient basis, being less invasive than other forms of treatment.
So how effective is it?
Radiation therapy is generally considered to be just as effective as surgical removal of the entire prostate gland, although in many cases radiation treatment is used in addition to other forms of therapy, such as surgery and hormonal therapy. Various combinations of external beam, brachytherapy, hormonal, and surgery may be put together by the doctor depending on the specific requirements of the patient, such as age, other illness, prostate cancer advancement, and so on.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of radiation therapy include impotence and problems controlling urinary urges. Some patients have also experienced rectal bleeding and diarrhea, due to inflammation of the lower intestines from the radiation exposure. In many of those with side effects, the symptoms will resolve in time after the treatment is over.
Radiation treatment is usually chosen by the doctor based on the specific requirements of the patient. In intermediate cases of prostate cancer, the doctor may choose surgery in addition to radiation therapy. This will entirely depend on the cancer and needs of the patient.
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