Prostate Cancer Radiation Treatment

Prostate cancer is typified by uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells lining the prostate glands. As per the NCI (National Cancer Institute) prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer forms affecting men, as nearly 192,000 patients are diagnosed with it annually in the U.S. No complete cure is available, but numerous methods including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery are administered to control the proliferation of the malignant cells.

Radiotherapy

• Radiotherapy, also called radiation therapy, involves exposing the cancer cells to high energy light beams in order to destroy them. Radiotherapy is often differentiated into two forms -- external beam therapy and brachytherapy (internal therapy). External beam therapy uses an external source to irradiate the malignant cells, while in brachytherapy radioactive seeds are positioned near the cancer cells so as to destroy them

Duration

• Often radiotherapy sessions are held regularly for close to two to three months. The time frame may vary depending on the internal spreading of the cancerous cells.

Benefits

• Radiotherapy is particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those who are unable to undergo resection (surgery) because of heart problems or other medical conditions.

Effects

• Fatigue, hair loss, skin irritations, and appetite reduction are some of the general side effects of radiotherapy.

Warnings

• Your doctor may recommend that you reduce your exposure to sun radiations and environmental pollutants while undergoing radiation therapy.