The American Cancer Society reports prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, and the second most frequent cause of male cancer deaths. Radiation treatments are one therapeutic option available for prostate cancer management. Treatments can be delivered from outside the body, or internally, using radioactive pellets. Radiation causes fatal damage to prostate cancer cells. Damage to surrounding tissue may also occur, leading to short- and long-term side effects.
Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence
The American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America's patient information Internet site, RadiologyInfo.org, reports diminished erectile function and impotence are potential side effects of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Notably, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction tends to increase with time after completion of radiation therapy. In a 2010 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Oncology," Dr. Mark Eckman and colleagues reported that among 394 men who underwent internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction occurred in 15 percent of men at six months post-treatment, and more than 40 percent of men at five years post-treatment.
Rectal Inflammation
Inflammation of the rectum, causing painful bowel movements, rectal bleeding and aggravation of preexisting hemorrhoids is a common side effect of prostate radiation, advises the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center. In some men, stool incontinence may occur. There is a risk of permanent bowel function abnormalities, which develop in a small percentage of men undergoing prostatic radiation therapy. Of note, the National Cancer Institute states there is an increased risk of rectal cancer after prostate cancer radiation treatment.
Diarrhea
The American Cancer Society reports that diarrhea is a possible side effect of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. This side effect typically clears after treatment is completed and the bowel recovers from the effects of the radiation.
Bladder Inflammation
Radiation treatment of the prostate may cause bladder inflammation, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Inflammation of the bladder lining may cause frequent urges to urinate and burning pain with urination. Bleeding from the internal bladder wall may cause the urine to appear pink, red or brown. These symptoms usually clear after the completion of radiation treatment. The National Cancer Institute reports there is an increased risk of bladder cancer development after receiving prostatic radiation therapy.
Genital Discomfort
The University of California, San Francisco Medical Center points out that external and internal radiation treatment for prostate cancer may cause genital discomfort. External radiation can cause dryness and irritation of the scrotum and surrounding area. With internal radiation, the scrotum and testicles may be tender and sore. A general feeling of fullness or pain in the genital area may occur with external or internal prostatic radiation treatment.
References
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts and Figures 2009
- National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer Treatment Options, Radiation Therapy
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Prostate Cancer, Definitive Therapies
- UCSF Medical Center: Prostate Cancer, Radiation Therapy FAQ
- University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center: Prostate Cancer Treatment Options, Radiation Therapy
