Radiation treatment for prostate cancer involves the killing of prostate cancer cells. This can be done in either one of two ways:

a.) by an external beam of radiation (EBRT), or b.)

by implanting radioactive seeds.

EBRT or External-beam radiation therapy treatment utilizes a machine that emits highly powerful X-rays to kill the prostate cancer cells.

The first thing to do for EBRT for one’s radiation treatment for prostate cancer is to locate the exact position of your prostate and surrounding organs. This is called mapping, and with this process, the exact area to beam the radiation is located.

Three-dimensional scans are used on these cases, and the available computer-imaging software provides for the best angle to aim the radiation. With all these, the powerful x-ray beams can be administered at high accuracy levels and in good amount for proper radiation treatment.

During this type of radiation treatment for prostate cancer, ink marks on the patient’s skin are placed to guide the x-ray beam. Small gold markers keep the radiation hitting the same target at each session. Shields to protect the bladder, anus, erectile tissues, etc. are made use of.

And on these sessions, the patient is advised to come in full bladder so that it will be pushed out of the path of the x-ray beams. During the treatment, the patient will also be held in a body supporter to keep him in place.

EBRT for one’s radiation treatment for prostate cancer are generally administered for around eight weeks, at 5 days per week. Sessions usually last around 10 minutes – most of it is for the preparations done. Only around 1 minute is required for the actual radiation treatment.

With EBRT for one’s radiation treatment for prostate cancer, there will be no pain felt, which eliminates the need for anesthesia.

Side effects for EBRT for one’s radiation treatment for prostate cancer may occur immediately after the sessions – but will usually go away after some time. These side effects include urinary problems.

There would be the urgency and the frequent need for urination. Other side effects include rectal problems as rectal bleeding, rectal urgency, loose stools, etc. After a few weeks of completing the treatment, these effects gradually diminish, and improve on their own.

Long-term problems are uncommon. Most have no problems with erection after undergoing EBRT for one’s radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

While such side effects of one’s sexual function may come in later years of a patient’s life, most have responded well with Erectile Dysfunction drugs.

Ask your doctor if EBRT suits your case – this might provide you with the solution for your prostate cancer.