Possible Side Effects Of Radiation Treatment For Prostate Cancer

Possible Side Effects Of Radiation Treatment For Prostate Cancer
By Adrian Jones

Despite the precautions taken to give the radiotherapy as
accurately as possible there will always be some side effects
associated with radiotherapy to the prostate gland even with
“best treatment”. This is partly because to reach the prostate
gland from the outside the X-rays have to pass through normal
tissues (bladder, bowel, skin) and partly because an area around
the prostate gland needs to be treated in case the prostate is
in a slightly different position each day (e.g. because the
bladder is filled to a different extent) and because it can
treat any cancer cells which are trying to invade out of the
prostate gland itself.

EARLY SIDE EFFECTS

a. Tiredness and Fatigue – most patients receiving radiotherapy
will feel tired especially towards the end of treatment.

b. Skin reaction – this is usually very mild with prostate
cancer treatment and may be a slight pinking of the skin or
sometimes a sore back passage

c. Diarrhoea – the x-rays will have to pass through some of
your bowel to reach the prostate gland and this can irritate the
bowel and cause diarrhoea, it can usually be well controlled by
medication

d. Cystitis – a burning feeling when you pass water is due to
irritation of the bladder by the X-rays on

their way to the
prostate gland

e. Piles – these can often flare up during treatment

f. Loss of Hair – you may lose some of your pubic hair where
the x-rays pass through the skin but this normally grows back
after treatment finishes, the hair on you head will not be
affected

g. Impotence – radiotherapy may make it difficult for you to
have or maintain an erection

LATE SIDE EFFECTS

In a small number of patients permanent damage to bowel or
bladder may occur and can sometimes require treatment. In some
men the impotence fails to recover.

While there are forms of alternative treatment,
the above are considered to be the proven techniques and
procedures.

About the Author: Adrian Jones is promoting self-help in
dealing with prostate cancer. Further information is available
on
http://www.justabout-prostatecancer.com/treatments/prostate_cancer_treatments_index.php.
This article is available for reprint provided you include this
author's credit.

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