Prostate cancer is characterized by an uninhibited proliferation of cells lining the prostate glands. NCI (National Cancer Institute) reports that it is one of the more common cancer forms affecting men, with nearly 190,000 new cases being diagnosed each year in the United States. Even though there is no complete cure for prostate cancer, various methods like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are administered to inhibit the growth of malignant cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves focusing high powered radiation to destroy the cancerous cells. It is mainly of two types: internal therapy and external therapy. In internal therapy (also called brachytherapy), radioactive "seeds" are placed near the malignant cells. In external therapy, an external radiation source is utilized to irradiate the cancer cells.
Benefits
Radiation therapy is mainly beneficial to those patients who cannot undergo surgery for cancer removal because of medical conditions like heart disorders.
Time Frame
The time frame for radiotherapy (both internal and external therapy) varies from patient to patient, depending on the metastasis of the cancer. However, commonly it is administered two to three times a week for nearly a month, with each session lasting half an hour.
Side Effects
Diarrhea, fatigue, urinary problems, pain during urination, and passing of blood through the urine are common side effects experienced by patients who undergo radiation therapy against prostate cancer. Impotence is also a risk.
Precautions and Warnings
You probably would be advised to reduce exposure to sun radiation and also to environmental pollutants while the radiation therapy sessions are being administered.
Tags: external therapy, internal therapy, malignant cells, therapy external