There are three methods used in prostate cancer treatment. One of which is by radiation therapy. This type of treatment may be done in two ways, internally and externally. Externally treatment is carried out in various sessions whereby the high-frequency x-ray machines are utilized to kill the cancer cells. The internal method or medically known as brachytherapy one of a treatment for adults uses the implantation of radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. These are effective methods of treating cancer. However, they can cause some side effects to the different areas of the body. Below are some side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
One of the prostate cancer radiation side effects is tissue damage. The tissues of the body are very vulnerable to radiation. But only a small percentage of the patients undergoing this kind of therapy experience this kind of effect. The tissues of some organs which are near the prostate like the skin, bladder or rectum are damaged due to the exposure to radioactive materials. When this happens, it can create a loss of function and may need surgery to cure it.
Another side effect of radiation therapy for prostate cancer is impotence and infertility. Since the prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system; functions related to male sexuality are reported. There is an issue about male erection, and a patient will likewise have a problem producing sperms. As said, radiation therapy not only affects the cancer cells but it also affects the normal ones like the sperm.
Lastly, the patient will feel weak, and fatigue can be experienced for about a few months after the procedure. You need to follow a similar diet that will help you get through with this problem. These are the common side effects that a patient experiences after radiation therapy. But the primary goal of this treatment outweighs these minor problems. Patient education is essential so that the patient will know what to do during the procedure and what to expect after the therapy is done.
