Prostate cancer occurs when cells grow and divide abnormally in the prostate gland. If your doctor has chosen radiation therapy to treat your prostate cancer, it is important to understand how radiation therapy can affect you. There are different kinds of radiation treatment and doses available, contingent upon the size and stage of the tumor, as well as other factors. In some cases, precautions must be implemented to protect yourself and others depending on the kind of radiation therapy used.
Prostate Radiation Treatments
The two principal types of radiation used to treat prostate cancer are external beam radiation (EBRT) and brachytherapy, (internal radiation) also referred to as radioactive seed implants. External beam radiation uses a device outside the body to direct radiation beams to the prostate gland, similar to an X-ray. Brachytherapy delivers radiation internally by inserting tiny pellets or seeds containing radioactive material right into the prostate. According to the American Cancer Society, brachytherapy is only used in men with early-stage cancer that is gradual in growth.
Side Effects and Precautions
External beam radiation (EBRT) can cause some temporary and long-term side effects. Some men experience bowel, bladder and erection problems, as well as feeling fatigued. Some of these side effects are felt immediate after radiation and some can occur months or years later with a long-term possibility. Since external beam radiation is similar to an X-ray, there are no radiation precautions such as those associated with other radiation methods. Your doctor will instruct you on diet and liquid intake before the actual procedure.
Brachytherapy can cause some temporary and long-term side effects. There are fewer side effects associated with this type of treatment than with EBRT, since radiation doesn't come in contact with other surrounding tissue, but instead radiation is restricted to the prostate. Most men experience urine retention temporarily, but other side effects include rectal inflammation and erection problems, with a long-term possibility. There is also a risk, though rare, that the implanted seeds may move into the bloodstream, lungs or other areas of the body.There are no ill effects resulting from this.
There are some precautions to be aware of when receiving brachytherapy that are temporary but may be necessary to offset passing radioactivity to others. Contact with others, especially pregnant women and children, should be limited. Patients should avoid having sex without a condom because of the possibility of the pellets or seeds exiting. The time frame in which these precautions should last, varies from a few hours to a few of months.
Advanced Techniques May Lower Risks
There are advanced EBRT and brachytherapy techniques with lower risks and side effects normally associated with standard treatments. A newer method of EBRT called, "Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3-D-CRT)," allows computerized mapping and precise targeting of the prostate to deliver radiation just on the cancer. This pinpointed radiation to the prostate causes little or no damage to the surrounding areas and has fewer side effects.
A newer method of brachytherapy allows a higher dosage of radiation, called "Temporary high-dose rate" or HDR brachytherapy. A radioactive substance is added to tubes or catheters placed into the prostate, which release the radioactive substance to the prostate for up to 15 minutes, the radioactive substance is then removed and at the end of all prescribed treatments, the tubes are also removed. This results in more radiation damage to the cancer cells, with little, if any damage to surrounding areas, fewer side effects. These techniques are also faster with a shorter hospital stay.
Always address your questions and concerns to your doctor, it is imperative and fulfilling when you have a clear understanding with your doctor about possible side effects, precautions and preparation, before treatment is implemented.
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