What are the long-term side effects of radiation for prostate cancer?
Long-term Complications These may include proctitis (rectal inflammation), cystitis (bladder inflammation), urinary or rectal bleeding, narrowing of the rectum or urethra, chronic diarrhea or urinary frequency or urgency, or development of an ulcer in the rectum. All of these can be managed.
How long do side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer last?
After completing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), urinary and bowel side effects may persist for two to six weeks, but they will improve over time. You may need to continue some medications. Some patients report continued, though lessening fatigue for several weeks after treatment.
What to expect during radiation treatment prostate?
During prostate radiation, low levels of “scatter radiation” that originate inside the patient’s body can reach the testicles and decrease sperm production . The dose of radiation that reaches the testicles usually leads to a temporary reduction (months to years) in the sperm count.
What is the best type of radiation for prostate cancer?
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer involves the use of high-energy beams or radioactive seeds to eliminate tumors. The most common types we recommend for prostate cancer include brachytherapy, image-guided radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery, and proton therapy.
What are the long term effects of prostate radiation?
One of the long-term adverse effects of radiation for prostate cancer include rectum inflammation (proctitis) with bleeding. • Loss of energy is always accompanied by prostate cancer radiation therapy. It is not uncommon to have patients who complain of fatigue for many weeks after the treatment.
Which is treatment for prostate cancer has the least side effects?
Which treatment for prostate cancer has the least side effects. This has the advantage of avoiding prostatectomy and the associated risks of losing bladder function. Antiandrogen + LHRH superagonist can also be used for hormonal suppression in case the tumor is androgen-dependant (that is, most cases).
