Localized prostate cancer affects the prostate (a small gland in the male reproductive system). According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer is found in 1 out of 6 men in the United States, and is considered the most common cancer in men. If prostate cancer is diagnosed prior to metastasis (spreading), radiation treatments and surgery can often treat the disease successfully.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is one option to treat localized prostate cancer. In EBRT, small amounts of radiation (energy beams) are aimed at the prostate cancer cells, killing them. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatments are given 5 days a week for about 8 weeks. Side effects include rectal bleeding, painful bowel movements, frequent urination and erectile dysfunction.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy involves internal radiation to treat localized prostate cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, small radioactive beads are implanted in the prostate gland. The beads emit low- or high-dose radiation (depending upon the cancer stage) to kill the prostate cancer cells. The Mayo Clinic says that the seeds contain radioactive isotopes of iodine and palladium (radioactive substances) that can last for up to a year. Side effects of brachytherapy include urinary problems, erectile dysfunction and rectal discomfort.
Surgery
Radical prostatectomy is a type of surgery in which the entire prostate gland is removed. According to American Urological Association Foundation (see Reference 2), there are many approaches to radical prostatectomy. An open radical prostatectomy involves removal of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles (glands near a man's bladder), and parts of the vas deferens (tube that carries sperm). This surgery can also be performed robotically with computer technology, and laparoscopically with a small camera. Side effects of radical prostatectomy include lack of bladder control and erectile dysfunction.
Hormone Therapy
Localized prostate cancer can also be treated with hormone therapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, hormone therapy stops the body from producing the hormone, testosterone. Without testosterone, prostate cancer cells cannot thrive. Other types of therapies utilize different hormones such as estrogen. You should talk with your doctor to see if hormone therapy is right for you.
Cryotherapy
The American Urological Association Foundation explains that cryotherapy treats localized prostate cancer by freezing the prostate gland. Cryoprobes (needles) are placed into the prostate gland with the help of ultrasound guidance. Argon gas is injected into the prostate, resulting in the death of cancer cells. Cryotherapy side effects include incontinence, pain and erectile dysfunction.
