One in six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Nearly 100 percent of men diagnosed and treated five years ago will survive prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. For men diagnosed and treated 10 years ago, 91 percent will survive. If you have recently been diagnosed, one treatment option available is brachytherapy.
Brachytherapy is a minimally invasive, internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Through this treatment, low-dose radioactive seeds are permanently implanted in the prostate gland. An average of 60 to 120 seeds, smaller than a grain of rice, are placed in a pattern designed by your physician that is specific to your prostate gland. The seeds work to destroy the cancer from the inside.
Brachytherapy has several advantages compared to surgery, including:
Another benefit of brachytherapy is that it typically provides a much shorter course of treatment than external beam radiation. With this procedure, there is minimal exposure to the tissue surrounding the prostate. The main advantage of brachytherapy is that it delivers radiation in a localized area, minimizing the radiation dose to surrounding tissues.
Rates of complications are significantly less with brachytherapy than those associated with radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation. For two to three days after the implant, you may experience some soreness between the rectum and the scrotum. This can be managed very effectively with mild analgesics. The effect can be immediate or delayed.
The prostate gland absorbs almost all of the radiation you receive. Therefore, there is no threat to other people. Objects that you touch do not become radioactive. Although a very small amount of radiation will escape your body, you should not worry about general radiation exposure to your family and friends. Your doctor will provide you with detailed guidelines and information regarding short-term precautions to take around young children, pregnant women and pets.
As a treatment, brachytherapy lessens the risk of impotence and urinary incontinence when compared to other treatments. However, like any cancer treatment, side effects may occur. Approximately 25-30 percent of men who were fully potent prior to treatment will regain potency after the implant. Fifty percent will have some decrease in their ability but will still be able to enjoy intercourse. The majority of these men can be successfully helped with medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any significant or troublesome side effects.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is important to find expert medical care quickly. Hattiesburg Clinic’s urology team provides advanced and efficient brachytherapy treatment, making it easier than ever for patients across Mississippi to receive accessible specialty care. Call today and schedule your appointment with a board-certified urology specialist.