External Beam Radiation Therapy Side Effects Prostate Cancer

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.

External beam radiation therapy side effects prostate cancer.

Radiation is a local cancer treatment option with local side effects in the area being treated. Short term side effects are ones that start during or shortly after your radiation treatment. Lymphedema fluid collects in the legs or genital area. Skin reactions similar to a sunburn secondary cancers in the radiated area.

Below is a list of possible short term side effects. External radiation or external beam radiation is the most common type of radiation therapy used for cancer treatment. Blood in your urine. 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.

Rectal bleeding or leakage. Patients who receive any type of radiation therapy external beam or brachytherapy to treat their prostate cancer can have side effects. Doctors will often use external radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients who want to avoid the risks of surgery. 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.

Radiation technology allows the very careful delivery of external beam radiation therapy. The men who received surgery saw an immediate steep drop off in their erectile function compared with men who received other types of treatment. A machine is used to aim high energy rays or beams from outside the body into the tumor. Potential side effects of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer may include.