What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiation therapy for prostate cancer?

prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that occurs in many older men. There are several types of therapy designed to effectively treat it, one of which is radiation therapy. Like most treatment, radiation therapy of prostate cancer has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages are that it quickly kills cancer cells and usually prevents the spread of cancer to other areas in the body. The disadvantages are that radiation can also lead to normal cells being killed and create other short -term side effects such as sexual dysfunction, urine problems and intestinal problems. There are two types of radiation treatment. The therapy with external radiation therapy of the beam shows a concentrated beam on cancer cells from the outer body. Brachytherapy is another type of treatment and works by putting the radiation directly on the body on the source of cancer.

Bigges The advantage of radiation therapy for prostate cancer is that it is a quick way to eliminate malignant cells. This treatment is alsobeneficial because it usually prevents the spread of cancer elsewhere and can prevent future cancer in other parts of the body. Radiation may also be an essential option if the patient is unable to undergo surgery or other types of treatment.

It is important that potential patients are aware of the negative side effects that may result from radiation therapy for prostate cancer. One disadvantage of radiation is that it can also kill some normal cells in the process of destruction of malignant cells. Doctors naturally try to minimize the amount of normal cells affected.

In addition, there are several negative short -term side effects that may result from radiation. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem by many men undergoing this treatment, and above all it involves difficult to achieve and maintain erections. Problems with orgasm and temporary reduction of sperm may also result fromradiation.

urine problems are also quite common after radiation therapy. Feelings of burning and discomfort in urination can often take more than a month. Frequent urination is another common side effect. These problems are uncomfortable, but usually clear themselves in themselves.

Radiation therapy for prostate cancer can also lead to some slight intestinal problems. The most common problems that patients experience are problems such as bloody stools, a small amount of excrement and diarrhea. Sometimes the doctor prescribes medicines to alleviate discomfort, but problems with the intestinal environment caused by radiation are also usually cleaned by themselves.