Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy

What is 'prostate radiation therapy'?

Prostate radiation therapy involves using high energy radiation directed to the prostate to try to kill the prostate cancer tissue.

What is prostate 'brachytherapy'?

Brachytherapy is another way to deliver radiation to the prostate. In this procedure, a surgical procedure is performed, in which hollow needles are inserted under ultrasound or x-ray guidance directly into the prostate and thereafter radioactive seeds are inserted and dispersed throughout the prostate.

What are the side effects of prostate radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy can lead to some of the same side effects as the radical prostatectomy. This would include local affects, impotence, and incontinence.