This is an automatically translated article.
Radiation therapy is one of the effective treatments for prostate cancer. It reduces the size of the tumor and stops the growth of cancer cells. However, radiation therapy for prostate cancer also has some risks and unwanted side effects.
1. What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is radioactive particles that can disrupt the DNA inside cancer cells. The disruption stops cells from multiplying and can even kill them. In some cases, radiation can almost completely eliminate cancer cells and is a highly effective treatment.
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer helps bring about high efficiency, reduces tumor size, relieves symptoms and stops cancer cell growth.
2. Radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth in the prostate gland. This gland is responsible for producing semen and nourishing and transporting sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men.
Ung thư xảy ra khi xuất hiện những bất thường ở tuyến tiền liệt
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer is a treatment that uses high-energy X-rays with the aim of killing cancer cells or slowing their growth. There are 2 types of radiation therapy for prostate cancer used including:
External radiation therapy: Using a machine to deliver radiation to the prostate cancer site from outside the body. This method requires radiation therapy in sessions, because the body can only tolerate a small amount of radiation at a time. The radiation delivered in bursts will reduce the risk of side effects. Brachytherapy: Using radioactive rays directed directly at the prostate tumor in situ with radioactive materials such as iodine and palladium. The transplant can be temporary or permanent. If the transplant is temporary, your doctor will insert the pill for a short time, which can range from a few minutes to 2 days. For permanent implants, the doctor will drop the pills when they are no longer radioactive. Before inserting the drug, the patient will be given regional or general anesthesia.
Xạ trị là biện pháp sử dụng tia X để tiêu diệt hoặc kìm hãm tế bào ung thư
3. Side effects of radiation therapy in prostate cancer treatment
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer is an effective treatment, but they can bring many side effects to the patient including:
Damage to healthy cells: Radiation therapy can kill cells. cancer cells, damaging healthy cells. However, healthy cells can repair themselves after treatment of appendicitis, inflammation of the rectum with symptoms of abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements and blood. This usually goes away after 3-8 weeks of radiation therapy. Inflammation of the bladder and urethra: Urinating many times a day, frequent urination, painful urination even blood in the urine. Fever is low and after 4 weeks of radiotherapy, recovery will be achieved. Patients are always in a state of fatigue, anorexia, may be accompanied by anemia, lack of sleep and depression, ... after radiation therapy. This condition can last for 2-3 months.
Xạ trị khiến bện nhân luôn cảm thấy căng thẳng mệt mỏi
Some pelvic bones, lumbar spine are broken. Skin changes with symptoms such as itching, dryness, rash, blistering, darkening, cracking, etc. Erectile dysfunction: Some erectile dysfunction problems do not appear immediately, but may progress slowly over time, especially in the elderly. In conclusion, radiation therapy for prostate cancer is one of the effective treatments. However, this method can cause many side effects for patients. Therefore, the patient needs to be fully equipped with knowledge and good health, mentally stable to fight the disease. When there are any abnormal signs, immediately notify the medical staff for examination and timely intervention.
Vinmec International General Hospital with the most advanced equipment, a team of top doctors with many years of experience in the field of urology is the perfect healthcare address for you and your loved ones. To detect the possibility of prostate cancer early, you can refer to the prostate cancer intensive examination package at Vinmec hospitals and clinics nationwide.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE.
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