In prostate radiation treatment, there are two different methods of treatment; External Radiation Therapy (XRT) and Internal Radiation Therapy (brachytherapy). The stage of prostate cancer that a patient has will determine the type of radiation treatment that he will receive.

Before prostate radiation treatment is performed, knowing the size and position of the cancer is important. One of the common methods is known as Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS). Transrectal Ultrasound is a medical procedure to determine the size and position of the tumor. The result of this procedure can be used to determine the amount of radiation seeds need to be placed. This procedure normally takes between 45 to 60 minutes, which can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Brachytherapy

When the cancer is still localized (not spreading to other part of the body), then Brachytherapy might be a suitable prostate radiation treatment. The radiation in Brachytherapy will be aimed directly at the prostate cancer. In Brachytherapy, a tiny seed or capsules will be implanted to the prostate gland. The seed or capsules normally contain radiation, which will be emitted after the seed or capsules are implanted. As the effect, the radiation will target the tumor, which will finally kill it.

External Radiation Therapy (XRT)

If the prostate cancer has spread to the surrounding area of the body, in most cases External Radiation Therapy (XRT) will need to be performed. The procedure will take between seven to eight weeks. The prostate radiation therapy will use x-rays, which will be emitted outside the body that targeting the tumor.

However, radiation therapy may cause side effects, which important for you to know.

• Fatigue. This side effect might happens to the patients during the prostate radiation treatment.

• Peri-anal skin irritation. Approximately 30% of the patients receiving radiation treatment have per-anal skin irriation.

• Incontinence. Even though this rarely happens, this side effect might happen with the urine and the stool

• Loose stools. Arround 5% of patients who received radiation treatment have this side effect. Usually, the side effect will subside after the treatment has stopped.

• Erectile dysfunction. Some patients also have reported this side effect. It can happen immediately, but it can also happen within a few months.

• Change in semen. The decrease of semen amount is also a possible side effect of prostate radiation treatment.

• Proctitis. Proctitis is the inflammation of the rectal area, which occurs in about 10% of the patient in radiation treatment. This side effect may cause blood n the stools.

• Urinary changes. Some patients have reported that they get the feeling of urgency in urination after they received prostate radiation treatment

We have additional information on this subject you may be interested in reading: early symptoms prostate cancer and prostate cancer nutrition