Nearby lymph nodes sometimes are removed through a separate incision in the abdomen. Most often, the radiation comes from a machine. This treatment is called external radiation therapy. The rays are aimed at the tumor and the area around it. For internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer, the patient goes to an outpatient department of a hospital or clinic.
Treatment generally is given five days a week for five to seven weeks.
This schedule helps protect healthy tissues by spreading out the total dose of radiation. The rays are aimed at the pelvic area. For internal radiation therapy, the patient goes to the hospital to have the radioactive materials implanted and stays in the hospital for a few days. The implant may be temporary or permanent. Because the radiation is most active during his hospital stay, the patient may not be able to have visitors or may have visitors for only a short time.