Progressive Choice - Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer patients often undergo radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or in cases where there is a recurrence in the prostate area. Radiation therapy for prostate cancer is also applicable if the cancer is has not been completely removed by the initial therapy, as is the case with more advanced prostate cancers. In these cases, radiation can be used to decrease the size of a tumor. It will also be possible to eliminate or, at the least, decrease the chances of existing and potential symptoms from occurring.
Whether for a more advanced form of the disease or during the early stages, radiation therapy for prostate cancer may provide a variety of outcomes. At the moment, there are two main types, both of which have been found effective in the treatment of prostate cancer.
The EBRT
The External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) can be likened to getting an X-ray, as it concentrates on the prostate gland from outside your body, only this time it is for a lengthened period. This outpatient treatment is known to last for anywhere from seven to nine weeks, five days in a week, with treatments being pain-free and lasting for only a few scant minutes.
In addition, not only can this therapy be used during the early stages of prostate cancer, it also has the added plus of being able to alleviate bone pain. Furthermore, recent developments in radiation therapy for prostate cancer have yielded a more optimistic technique of being able to focus on a particular area in the prostate gland. This can be done while not exposing surrounding tissues to unnecessary radiation exposure. This ensures that the treatment is more calculated with hardly any wasted time.
Internal Radiation Therapy or Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy, or Internal Radiation Therapy, while equally important in the roster of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, works in a different way. This is radiation placed directly inside the body, done through what are called radioactive seeds or pellets that are strategically placed in the affected areas.
While effective in its own right, doctors are concerned about the scope of this treatment as men who have larger prostate glands are at a disadvantage. This is due, of course, to the need for more seeds to be used. This is a particular concern as much stress is being given to targeting affected areas. As a result, Internal Radiation Therapy is oftentimes just recommended for prostate cancer patients who are still at the early stages, and whose cases of the disease are slower in progress.
Radiation therapy for cancer treatment in perspective
On another note, it is important to remember that both therapies come with their own potential side effects. In both, there have been observed occurrences of incontinence, bowel and bladder problems, and impotence. In EBRT, other side effects included are fatigue due to the radiation and a possible buildup of fluid in the genitals and/or the legs, in cases where the lymph nodes have also been exposed to the radiation.
In most cases, doctors will go over the pros and cons in relation to their recommendations on radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Options are always discussed in tandem with their possible effects. The patients, most often than not, have to weigh the effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer against what its future benefits/disadvantages could be.
On a more optimistic note, however, future research regarding these treatments could eventually lead to a more specified targeting of the affected areas, thereby boosting the effectiveness of the various types of radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
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.