Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Radiation treatment for prostate cancer uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Two types are used to treat prostate cancer: external radiation (the energy comes from a machine outside the body) and internal radiation (radioactive seeds are placed within the tissue). Radiation treatment for prostate cancer may be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the area.

 

Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer: An Overview

Several treatment options exist for men with prostate cancer. The prostate cancer treatment that is best for one man may not be best for another.
 
Prostate cancer treatments other than radiation treatment may involve:
 
You may have a combination of prostate cancer treatments.
 

Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer: The Details

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It affects cells only in the treated area.
 
For early-stage prostate cancer, radiation treatment for prostate cancer may be used instead of surgery. This may also be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells remaining in the area.
 
In later stages of prostate cancer, radiation treatment may be used to help relieve pain.
 

Types of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Doctors use two types of radiation treatment for prostate cancer:
 
  • External radiation
  • Internal radiation (implant radiation, or brachytherapy).
     
Some men receive both types of therapy.
(Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD