Dr. Echt explains the various side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Irving, Texas - November 27, 2019 - Radiation therapy treats many types of cancer effectively, most commonly, prostate cancer. But like other cancer treatments, it often has its side effects. These are different for each patient. They depend on the nature of cancer, its location, the radiation therapy dose, and your general health.

“High doses of radiation therapy are used to destroy cancer cells,” says Dr. Echt. “Side effects happen due to damage to healthy cells and tissues near the treatment area. Major technological advances in radiation therapy have made it more precise. This reduces the side effects.”

Side effects of radiation therapy include:

• Urinary problems: Radiation can irritate the bladder, causing urinary problems such as burning sensation.
• Skin Problems: several individuals who receive radiation therapy experience dryness, blistering, itching, or generally peeling on the bladder and rectum. Skin problems usually go away after some time.
• Bowel problems: Radiation can irritate the rectum.
• Lymphedema: if the lymph nodes around the prostate are damaged by radiation, fluid can collect in the genitals over time. This causes swelling and pain.
• Erection problems:the problems of erections, including impotence, usually develop over time after the administration of radiation therapy.
• Fatigue: it usually happens after a few weeks of radiation therapy and can get worse as the treatment goes on. The level of fatigue often depends on your treatment plan. For instance, radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy may result in more fatigue.
• Loss of pubic hair: (alopecia) or thinning of hair only happens in the area being treated with radiation therapy. Hair loss can be either permanent or temporary, depending upon the amount of radiation used.

"Several methods are being utilized for the prevention of radiation therapy side effects," says Dr. Echt. "These mainly include altering how radiation is delivered and administering drugs that protect normal cells from radiation damage."

Most radiation therapy side effects gradually go away in the weeks or months after treatment. But some side effects can continue or might start some months or years later. Therefore, seeking medical attention if the side effects persist is advisable.

About The Prostate Seed Institute

The Prostate Seed Institute is one of the country’s leading pioneers in prostate cancer treatment including prostate seed implementation, a fast and painless procedure that effectively treats prostate cancer in its earliest stages. With a team of oncology experts and a state-of-the-art facility, the Prostate Seed Institute provides prostate cancer patients with the most comprehensive treatment available.

For more information, please visit website - https://theprostateseedinstitute.com/service/external-beam-radiation-treatment/