Did the doctor tell you that you have prostate cancer? It is normal to feel scared and worried when you receive such news. But don't worry, with today's advanced medical science, there are many effective treatments for this. Today we are going to talk about one such special, effective treatment method. That is called brachytherapy.
Simply put, what is brachytherapy?
This is also a type of radiation therapy. But it involves putting tiny radioactive implants directly into or near your prostate gland to kill cancer cells. Doctors call these "seeds" or "capsules."
In this treatment, the tiny seeds emit very low doses of radiation for about 10 to 12 months to kill cancer cells. After that, even though they lose their radioactivity, the seeds remain in the body forever. They don't cause any harm.
How is this treatment done? Let's see...
Let's talk about what happens on the day of this treatment step by step so you can get a better understanding of it.
1. Preparation: Once you arrive at the hospital, the nursing staff will prepare you for the treatment. Then the anesthesiologist will give you the necessary medication and make sure you don't feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment.
2. Ultrasound scan: The radiation oncologist and team will place you on a treatment table. Then, a small ultrasound probe will be inserted through your rectum. This allows the inside of the prostate to be clearly seen on a television screen.
3. Insertion of radioactive seeds: Looking at the images on the screen, the doctor plans exactly how many seeds to insert and where. Then, using very fine needles, about 50 to 100 radioactive seeds are inserted into the prostate through the skin between your scrotum and anus (the perineum). The number of seeds depends on factors such as the size and location of the cancer.
4. Time: This entire process usually takes about an hour or an hour and a half.
The most important thing is that the medical team will do everything necessary to ensure that you do not feel any pain throughout this treatment.
How effective is this treatment?
Brachytherapy is a very effective treatment. However, results can vary from person to person. One long-term study found that 97% of people who had this treatment were still alive 17 years after treatment.
But it's not a good idea to skip tests just because you've taken this treatment. It's important to continue getting tests at the scheduled times, as your doctor recommends.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any medical treatment, there are potential side effects. Let's be aware of them. These can be divided into immediate, short-term, and long-term.
| Type of side effect | Description and what you need to know |
|---|---|
| Immediate side effects (First 2-3 days) | You may experience some minor pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. These are very normal and will subside completely in two to three days. |
| Short-term side effects (About 6-8 weeks) |
|
| Long-term side effects (may occur rarely) |
|
Will the radiation spread to others?
This is a concern for many people. Because of the radioactive bones inside, you may be worried about the radiation spreading to those in the house, especially pregnant mothers and young children .
Actually, it's okay for them to be near you. The amount of radiation emitted is so low that it's not harmful. But remember, don't hold a small child or a pregnant woman on your lap for long periods of time (more than 20 minutes) for the first two months after treatment. This is a precautionary measure. Talk to your doctor about this for more details.
When can normal work resume?
Most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two after treatment. It is best to rest for the first few days.
But the most important thing is that you will need to stop activities that put pressure on your groin area (for example, horseback riding, cycling) for about two months. Your doctor will also advise you on that.
When should I call the doctor?
Be sure to see your doctor in the following cases:
- If the side effects are worse than you expected.
- If the side effects last longer than expected.
- If new symptoms appear that suggest the cancer has returned (e.g. bone pain, extreme fatigue).
As you consider this treatment, remember that you are not alone. It is normal to feel overwhelmed by all of this. Your doctor and hospital staff are always there to help you, answer your questions, and educate you. So feel free to ask anything that comes to your mind.
Take-Home Message
- Brachytherapy is a highly effective radiation treatment method for prostate cancer that involves implanting radioactive seeds into the body.
- This is done under anesthesia and is completed in as little as an hour or an hour and a half.
- Side effects such as urinary tract irritation and frequent urination may occur after treatment, but they are often temporary.
- During the first two months after treatment, avoid holding small children and pregnant women on your lap for long periods of time.
- If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
- It is very important to undergo medical check-ups at the scheduled times.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න