Types of Prostate Radiation and Side Effects
Prostate cancer is considered to be the second highest killer among men in the United States. Fortunately, unlike other illnesses, it is treatable extending the person's life for a few more years.
Radiation therapy is one solution and there are three types. This is namely the conventional electron beam radiation therapy, 3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy and intensity modulation radiation.
Electron beam radiation therapy or EBRT was the first of its kind ever to be introduced into the medical field. Before this is performed on a patient, detailed planning or simulation is done to ensure that the machine is aimed at the right target area.
The procedure is over within minutes. Most patients undergoing this type of radiation therapy will have to come to the clinic 6 times a week for several weeks.
Three dimensional conformal radiation therapy or 3D-CRT is considered to be a more advanced version of EBRT. The preparation period for a patient is similar to the first. One thing added is a CT scan to check on the condition of the surrounding organs.
When the area has been marked using permanent ink, the patient will then lie still so the doctors will aim the machine in the target area and destroy the cancer cells at different angles.
The last, which is called intensity modulated radiation therapy, is considered by many doctors as a step further in prostate radiation treatment. This is because the patient will be receiving more beams of radiation that happen to be much thinner thus hitting the target precisely without harming the nearby healthy tissue.
Among the three, this is not used that often yet but is steadily gaining popularity in the medical field.
Prostate radiation therapy regardless of what type is used has been known to cause side effects. This depends on which part of the body was radiated but talking with an oncologist may help reduce such incidents.
Since the beams of radiation pass through the skin, you shouldn’t be surprised if you experience irritation. It may appear like you stayed for a long time under the sun making some think that you have sunburn.
It will peel after some time or become moist and tender. Sometimes, you will lose hair in that area or notice you do not sweat the much in the targeted area. Doctors consider this to be normal since this will go away after 4 to 6 weeks into treatment. If it extends beyond that time, the doctors and nurses have to find a way to stop it.
Undergoing prostate radiation therapy will also affect your energy levels. In fact, many feel tired easily so the person will have to change his daily routine. Eating right, balancing your schedule and getting sufficient rest can minimize this.
Some patients experience impotence as a result of prostate radiation treatment. This is the reason some do not want to do it at first but in the end have to make the hard decision just to live longer.
Urinary incontinence or frequent urination is another side effect of prostate radiation. This means the person will have to go to the comfort room regularly to take a leak.
Prostate radiation therapy is over in a matter of weeks. You will have to visit the doctor regularly to make sure all the cancer cells were destroyed.
Prostate Tip #1
As men age, they should think about prostate problem prevention since men in their fifties have a higher risk of developing an enlarged prostate or even cancer. It takes less money to prevent a disease from happening rather than treating it.
Prostate Tip #2
It will be in your best interests to get a prostate screening annually from your physician once you reach age 45 to determine if you have any problems with your prostate. This will also help your physician detect any cancer while it is still in its early stages.