Prostate Cancer

Radiation Treatment For Prostate Cancer

Information on Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a very commonly occurring cancer, the most common cancer in men in fact, and the worst part about it is that the signs and symptoms are often very subtle and misleading and so it often takes a while for the cancer to be caught and assessed.

Prostate cancer is typically a progressive disease, one that is very slow growing, and it can even develop with no symptoms at all.

As the disease progresses however, there are usually a few symptoms that will be experienced, and this includes: the need to urinate frequently and particularly at nighttime, problems in the initiation and cessation of urination, the complete inability to urinate, blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation, and burning or painful urination.

Of course if you notice any of these signs or symptoms you need to get in to see your doctor as soon as possible. Explain to them what you have been experiencing and have them check you out for prostate cancer.

Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

If and when you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the next step is treatment. There are various different methods of treatment available, with one of the most commonly recommended being the radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

What is it?

There are actually two different types of radiation treatment for prostate cancer, which are: brachythearpy and external radiation therapy.

The first radiation treatment for prostate cancer, brachytherapy, is a treatment that involves the implanting of tiny radioactive capsules, which are inserted into the prostate gland. The seeds work by emitting a stream of radiation, which in turn kills the malignant tumor.

The procedure is able to be performed on an outpatient basis, and typically will take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. In terms of recovery, patients are discharged the very same day and they are usually able to resume their regular chores and activities within a few days.

The second type of radiation treatment for prostate cancer, external radiation therapy, is quite different. This treatment is recommended usually only when the tumor has actually spread through the prostate capsule to surrounding tissues, and it is given on an outpatient basis for several weeks.

The particular type of treatment that you will have to go with will be determined by your doctor, and they will decide this dependant on several factors, including your age, physical condition, and how far the cancer has spread.