Prostate cancer is cancer affecting the small gland that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a common cancer among males but it normally grows slowly and confines itself to the prostate gland. There are a few types of prostate cancer that can grow aggressively so early detection and treatment make for a better outcome. Prostate cancer seed treatments are an option many men have found successful.
Prostate
Brachytherapy is the procedure in which the doctor implants tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. The procedure is minimally invasive and the seeds are the size of rice. Before the procedure, the patient is given anesthesia and the seeds are implanted using needles inserted into the skin. The procedure takes one to two hours and 40 to 100 seeds are implanted depending on the grade of the cancer. The seeds are then left inside the prostate giving off small continuous doses of radiation to shrink and destroy the cancer.
Effectiveness
Data by the American Society of Clinical Oncology of 2004 reported an 81 percent to 93 percent disease free survival rate for patients using the prostate cancer seeds. The seeds offer a higher dose of radiation than using traditional radiation beams and do so over a longer time period making the results more successful.
Side Effects And Risks
There are side effects in using cancer prostate seeds. Most common are urinary problems. Frequency, burning, and painful urination are the biggest complaints. Medication may be necessary to help deal with the symptoms. Some men suffer from erectile dysfunction due to the implants. This is usually treated with prescription medicine such as Viagra. Discomfort during bowel movements or loose stools can also be a side effect. Most of the symptoms will go away gradually.
Cope
A diagnosis of cancer can be difficult but there are ways to cope. Get plenty of exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Talk with family, friends, your minister or a counselor. Bottling up your emotions only leads to more stress. When you can talk about your fears, it allows you to cope better emotionally and physically. Your doctor may be able to lead you to support groups where others understand what you are going through.
Tags: cancer seeds, Prostate cancer, Prostate Cancer, prostate gland, seeds implanted