Prostate cancer is deadly to men over fifty, and is often so slow to really develop that it’s not identified until it’s too late to surgically remove it. Even if a man has regular check ups and avoids stress he can still develop prostate cancer. Because of this, prostate cancer radiation treatment is one of the most common methods of treating prostate cancer, and it’s effective for the most part. However, it is not perfect. Before getting prostate cancer radiation treatment, knowing how it works would be best.
The Alternative to Prostate Cancer Surgery
Prostate cancer radiation treatment is also called chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and is used when surgery fails or during any stage of the cancer. It sends a wave of ionized radioactive particles. This is then absorbed into cells, which mutates the DNA and increases the likelihood of that cell dying. There are 2 main types of prostate cancer radiation treatment – beam therapy and brachytherapy. Radiation treatment is the most commonly used method for treating prostate cancer aside from surgery.
Beam therapy is done by placing the patient into a linear accelerator to send beams of radioactive particles firing directly at the prostate. The latest techniques allows the beam to match the shape of the prostate so that other tissue is not damaged. Usually, beam therapy is done daily over a period of several weeks. With new forms of prostate cancer treatment there are fewer side affects.
Brachytherapy, however, is done by infusing a series of small rods with radiation and inserting them into the cancerous tissue. These rods act as a permanent emitter of low-grade radiation. The X-rays are only able to travel a short distance, so there’s little chance of damage to the other surrounding tissues of the body. This treatment tends to have a better outcome as far as preventing recurring cancer. Also, there’s little chance of the radiation being exposed to other men.
Prostate cancer radiation treatment is most commonly used in men who wouldn’t really be able to have surgery safely. Prostate cancer radiation treatment is one of the most effective methods of treatment for prostate cancer, but there are some side effects, such as hair loss, sickness and overall loss of energy.
Although prostate cancer is a very deadly disease, it can be easily dealt with if it’s caught on time with regularly scheduled checkups and a healthy lifestyle.
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