Brachytherapy Prostate Cancer
Brachytherapy prostate cancer is a type of radiation treatment used to eliminate cancer
. For those diagnosed with prostate cancer, Brachytherapy for prostate cancer is a fairly minimally invasive treatment.
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer, or any type of cancer can be overwhelming, terrifying and humbling. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in American men. Part of this is due to more effective detection systems. Prostate cancer is not a death sentence. In many cases, it can be cured. However, the earlier the diagnosis, the more likely treatment will be successful.
Prostate cancer is most prevalent in men over fifty years of age. In fact, cancer often affects men aged 50-64. Annual prostate exams are recommended for men over 50. Eating a healthy diet of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables may also help reduce the chances of prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer may be more common in those whose immediate families have experienced prostate cancer.
There are several treatments available for those with a cancer diagnosis. Consulting more than one specialist may help narrow down the best treatment for your specific case. As well, talking to friends and family may help you decide what is going to be best for you. Patients do have a say in what type of treatment they want to undergo, so be sure to understand your risks and your options.
While there are many possible treatments, we will highlight just a few:
Brachytherapy prostate cancer involves inserting seeds or pellets into the rectum. These seeds are about the size of a piece of rice. They are placed in close proximity to the tumor. The seeds are then loaded with either a high dose of radiation or a low dose of radiation depending on the extent of the cancer. The radiation is then emitted over a period of time. Brachytherapy is often done on an outpatient basis and most people experience minimal or no side effects. Once the radiation treatment is over, the seeds become inert. The seeds may be left in the rectum or may be removed.
Surgery. Depending on the case, a specialist may recommend surgery to either remove the tumor or remove the prostate. Radiation therapy may accompany surgery. Surgery will require a hospital stay and the patient will need time to heal. Side effects may include incontinence and/or impotence.
External Beam Therapy or EBT is where beams of high energy x-rays are aimed at the tumor.
Image Guided Radiation is often recommended as the prostate shifts positions during the day depending on how full the bladder is as well as other factors. Image guided radiation helps direct the radiation tot the appropriate place and increases the accuracy of the treatment.
In some instances, Cryotherapy may be advised. Cryotherapy involves below freezing temperatures to literally freeze and kill the cancer cells.
No matter which treatment option you choose, or is recommended to you, from Brachytherapy prostate cancer to surgery to alternative medicines, a positive outlook helps recovery, as does early detection.
Brachytherapy Prostate Cancer
By: Jerry Knight
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