Treatment of prostate cancer: External beam radiotherapy
Last updated: Thursday, September 30, 2004
This type of treatment uses X-rays to kill the cancer cells on the prostate. This treatment is done using a machine. The danger here is that the beams can also destroy surrounding healthy tissues.
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It is necessary that very precise indications are given to pinpoint the area that needs radiation.
A body supporter is used to keep your body in the same position for these treatments. A full bladder will stop your bladder from receiving a share of the radiation.
Treatments are generally given 5 days a week for about two months. Each appointment takes about 15 minutes, but the actual radiation time is only 60 seconds or so. The treatment is not painful at all.
Normal sexual function could be affected by radiation therapy and about half of men who have undergone radiatherapy for prostate cancer will experience some form of erectile dysfunction. Younger men seem to be less affected by this.
Most symptoms disappear over time, especially rectal problems that may be experienced, such as diarrhoea, rectal urgency, rectal bleeding and pain during bowel movements.
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