Prostate cancer affects the prostate, a small gland that is responsible for producing seminal fluid in men. This fluid nourishes and carries the sperm. Cancers that grow slowly often require minimal or no treatment. If the cancer is spreading quickly, however, it may require aggressive treatment. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are the most commonly used treatment options for this type of cancer. Although these treatments are quite successful in treating prostate cancer, there may be certain complications.
Incontinence
MayoClinic.com states that incontinence is a complication that may develop after prostate cancer treatment. Often, surgery is recommended to remove the prostate gland and some of the tissue around it. This procedure is called radical prostatectomy. This can cause urinary or bladder incontinence. In this condition, the urine leaks from the urethra causing occasional leakage or a complete inability to hold urine. The person in this case may require medications, catheters or an additional surgery for the treatment of urinary incontinence. The person may also develop bowel incontinence or an inability to control bowel movements. Incontinence is a complication that may develop as a result of all the treatments available.
Sexual Problems
Sexual problems are also complications that may develop after prostate cancer treatment, as reported by MedlinePlus. It goes on to say that individuals who undergo prostatectomy may develop erection problems or impotence. If the cancer has spread to the other parts of the body, removal of the testicles may be recommended. This procedure alters hormone production and may cause erectile dysfunction in the man. The surgery also causes thinning of bones or osteoporosis and loss of muscle mass. Radiation therapy also causes problems in sexual functioning.
Other Complications
There may be other side-effects and complications of prostate cancer treatment. External radiation therapy may cause rectal burning or injury, loose stools, inflamed bladder, or blood in urine. Loss of appetite, fatigue and redness and irritation on the skin may be experienced by the individual. When internal radiation is administered directly to the prostate, it can cause bruising in the penis or scrotum. Red-brown semen or urine and diarrhea may also be seen. If the prostate cancer is resistant to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy may be required. This may cause fluid retention, blood clots, hair loss and lowering of white and red cells.
