External Beam Radiation Therapy Side Effects Prostate Cancer

A machine is used to aim high energy rays or beams from outside the body into the tumor.

External beam radiation therapy side effects prostate cancer.

External radiation or external beam radiation is the most common type of radiation therapy used for cancer treatment. The men who received surgery saw an immediate steep drop off in their erectile function compared with men who received other types of treatment. The side effects of external beam radiation therapy tend to be less severe than the side effects of other prostate cancer treatments. Short term side effects are ones that start during or shortly after your radiation treatment.

Patients who receive any type of radiation therapy external beam or brachytherapy to treat their prostate cancer can have side effects. Lymphedema fluid collects in the legs or genital area. Frequent urination difficult or painful urination blood in the urine urinary leakage abdominal cramping diarrhea painful bowel movements rectal bleeding rectal leaking fatigue sexual dysfunction including. External beam radiation therapy with androgen deprivation therapy in which radiation is paired with medications to lower levels of male hormones which can stimulate prostate cancer growth.

Fatigue skin reaction loss of appetite hair loss in your pubic area nausea diarrhea problems during urinating problems during urinating and other such urine problems can be reduced using a prostate. Because the prostate is surrounded by the bladder and the rectum most of the side effects of external beam radiation are related to bladder and rectum irritation. Radiation technology allows the very careful delivery of external beam radiation therapy. Blood in your urine.

Doctors will often use external radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients who want to avoid the risks of surgery. Potential side effects of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer may include. Rectal bleeding or leakage. Radiation is a local cancer treatment option with local side effects in the area being treated.