Side Effects from the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Doctors really don't want to hurt their prostate cancer patients. But the side effects of surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy are very significant.  All of the potential prostate cancer treatments can damage your healthy tissues and cells, so it is difficult to truly avoid or limit the negative side effects. Of course the doctors know you don't want any serious side effects. So they plan as carefully as possible to minimize those effect. Sorry folks, but it is just difficult to totally avoid side effects!

Let's look at the side effects from:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Hormone Therapy

Note:  Prostate cancer treatment side effects are determined by the type and measure (intensity) of treatment. Your doctors and their staff will explain the possibilities to you.  Feel free to ask questions to be sure you fully understand the implications. They should also suggest ways to relieve symptoms (both during and after the prostate cancer treatment). Of course, keep your caregivers advised of any side effects that you do experience.

The Side Effects From Prostate Cancer Surgery

Pain is the most frequent side effect after prostate cancer surgery. Although not all discomfort can be relieved; the stronger pain can be controlled with pain relieving medications.  Be sure to discuss pain relief with the medical staff.

Low energy levels and tiredness also follows the surgery.  That is typical of any surgery. Recover time varies based on the individual involved.  Eating, drinking, and supplemental vitamins may accelerate return to normal energy levels.

Permanent impotence and urinary incontinence can be the result of prostate removal.  With the new techniques for tumor removal, these effects are less frequent today.  These new nerve-sparing surgical procedures help prevent lasting nerve damage to the critical nerves that control the bladder opening and erection.  These techniques are usually very successful, so resultant urinary incontinence and impotence if experienced, may just be temporary.

A prostatectomy removes the prostate gland, thus a man can no longer produce semen.  Future orgasms are dry.

The Side Effects From Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy

Radiation often causes severe fatigue. It is very important to get sufficient rest after radiation treatments, although doctors often advise their radiation therapy patients to stay as active as possible. Normally, the skin in the affected area irradiated becomes very dry, red and tender.  This is often described by men as a 'burning feeling'.

Another common side effect of radiation is hair loss.  This is localized to the pelvic area. The hair loss can be permanent or temporary, and that depends on the type, intensity, and frequency of radiation performed.

Internal radiation can also cause impotence.  This is not as frequent as the external radiation impotency side effect.  Also, the nerves that control erectile function are less likely to be damaged by internal radiation.

The Side Effects From Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy such as estrogen, Orchiectomy, and LHRH agonist are not without side effects.  They often have been found to cause decline in sexual desire, hot flashes and impotence.  LHRH agonist often increases tumor grown and make a man's symptoms worse. This is a temporary difficulty, known as 'tumor flare'. LHRA angoist also will cause a man's testosterone levels to fall.  Without testosterone, the tumor growth rate slows adn the overall condition can improve.

Oestrogen or Antiandrogen therapy often causes vomiting, nausea, and breast swelling or tenderness. Today Oestrogen is less commonly used in men because it increases the risk of heart problems. 

Prostate cancer news on the Web