Two types of radiation treatments can be used to treat prostate cancer. They involve external beam radiation , which is similar to getting an x-ray. Treatments, given on a daily basis, last several minutes and the entire course of therapy may take six or seven weeks to complete. Internal radiation uses radioactive pellets placed directly into the prostate gland. The pellets emit radiation for a few months and then are no longer active.
Radiation therapy does have side effects.
Many patients complain of fatigue during the treatments. Others report gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Some patients may have difficulty with urination and maintaining erections. Since prostate cancer is dependent upon the male hormone testosterone to grow, reducing the amount of testosterone can cause the tumor to shrink or grow more slowly. Testosterone levels can be reduced through surgery to remove the testicles, since most testosterone is manufactured here.