Possible Risks And Side Effects Of Brachytherapy
Radiation precautions: If you get permanent brachytherapy, the seeds will give off small amounts of radiation for several weeks or months. Even though the radiation doesnt travel far, your doctor may advise you to stay away from pregnant women and small children during this time. If you plan on traveling, you might want to get a doctors note regarding your treatment, as low levels of radiation can sometimes be picked up by detection systems at airports.
There’s also a small risk that some of the seeds might move . You may be asked to strain your urine for the first week or so to catch any seeds that might come out. You may be asked to take other precautions as well, such as wearing a condom during sex. Be sure to follow any instructions your doctor gives you. There have also been reports of the seeds moving through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. As far as doctors can tell, this is uncommon and doesnt seem to cause any ill effects.
These precautions arent needed after HDR brachytherapy, because the radiation doesnt stay in the body after treatment.
Bowel problems: Brachytherapy can sometimes irritate the rectum and cause a condition called radiation proctitis. Bowel problems such as rectal pain, burning, and/or diarrhea can occur, but serious long-term problems are uncommon.
Urinary Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer Treatment
The term urinary dysfunction includes:
-
Urinary incontinence, which can range from some leaking to complete loss of bladder control
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Irritative voiding symptoms or urinary bother, including increased urinary frequency, urgency, and pain upon urination
Bladder obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate is the typical reason for these symptoms initially. However, after therapy, they are typically caused by damage to the nerves and muscles used in urinary control.
Possible Side Effects Of Radiation Treatment For Prostate Cancer
The radiation used to destroy cancer cells can also hurt normal cells in the nearby area. Side effects from radiation treatment are related to the area of the body being treated. Patients start to have side effects a few weeks into their treatment. While side effects may be unpleasant, there are treatments to help deal with them. Most side effects are temporary and slowly start to go away once treatment is done.
You will be seen by your radiation oncology providers often during treatment. These visits are a chance to ask questions and to talk about any side effects and how to best manage them. You can also call your providers to speak about any side effects.
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What Are The Symptoms And Signs
The location of the prostate gland is fairly low in the pelvic region, below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It lies in very close proximity to the urethra. The urethra is the tube that conveys urine from the bladder to the external environment. When the prostate gland swells, it tends to exert pressure on the urinary bladder as well as the urethra. Initially, there may be no significant disturbance. Eventually, however, the individual will notice certain changes in patterns of urination. The following symptoms are common manifestations of enlargement of the prostate gland:
- The individual may find it difficult to initiate urination and may need to strain to force urine out.
- There may be a reduced flow of urine.
- The urine stream may pause intermittently.
- Frequent urge to urinate, particularly at night.
- The bladder is not voided completely upon urination.
- Sudden, unexpected urges to urinate.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Exercise. When this is the cause, hematuria will usually go away in 24 hours.
Mutation Allele Frequencies Are Significantly Higher In The Plasma Of Patients With Pca And Are Related To Metastasis
Next, we compared MAFs between PCa and BPH in plasma DNA sequencing. We observed a trend that patients with PCa have higher MAFs detected , although it does not reach statistical significance . Further, statistical analysis showed that there was no difference in MAF between PCa and BPH.
Further analysis demonstrated that the MAF was associated with metastasis status. MAFs were significantly higher in metastatic PCa and lower in treatment naïve PCa patients . MAF was not associated with Gleason score , tumor stage , PSA , or age . Patients with PCa at stage IV tended to have higher MAFs .
Furthermore, we found that the number of mutations was associated with metastatic status and tumor stage. The number of mutations was significantly higher in metastatic PCa . Furthermore, the number of mutations was significantly associated with the tumor stage , being the highest frequent in patients with PCa at stage IV. However, the number of mutations was not associated with treatment naïve status , PSA , Gleason score , or age .
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Are There New Techniques That Reduce The Chance Of Becoming Incontinent
When removingthe prostate, surgeons try to save as much of the area around the bladder and the sphincter muscles around the urethra as possible, thus limiting damage to the sphincter. Doctors have also fine-tuned the process of placing radioactive seed implants, using sophisticated computer projections that allow the seeds to destroy the prostate while limiting damage to the bladder.
Still, at this point, any man who is undergoing radiation or surgery to treat prostate cancer should expect to develop some problems with urinary control. With newer techniques, some men will have only temporary problems controlling their urine, and many will regain full control of their bladder in time.
Continued
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor Or Nurse
- Is the treatment Im having for prostate cancer likely to cause any urinary problems?
- What type of urinary problems might I get?
- What should I do if I cant urinate?
- Will my urinary problems get better?
- What treatments are available?
- What are the risks and side effects of treatments for urinary problems?
- What can I do to help myself?
- Where can I get pads and other products?
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Blood In Urine Experienced As Symptom Of Prostate Cancer
Blood in urine is known as hematuria, and it can be related to a number of conditions, often not severe or consequential. But in the case of prostate cancer, it usually occurs in advanced stages of the disease and it should not be ignored. Instead of the normal pale yellow color of the urine, men may note it is pink, red, brownish-red, or tea-colored. In some cases, it may not be seen with naked eye, but the presence of red blood cells in urine can be detected in the lab.
Blood in urine is associated with damage to the kidneys, where urine is created, or to a problem in another part of the urinary tract, including the ureters , the bladder , or the urethra . The tumor may press one of these structures, while blood in urine also may be a side effect of radiation therapy. Reporting blood in urine to a doctor may help readjust the treatment and improve patients quality of life.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses each day. Dont cut down on your fluids. You can drink plenty during the day, but it might help to limit fluids 2 hours before bedtime.
Some people think that cranberry juice can help but others feel it makes the soreness worse. Research studies havent found that it helps. Dont drink cranberry juice if you are taking warfarin.
You might find that some drinks increase the soreness, such as tea and coffee. You can experiment for yourself and see what works for you. Dont take potassium citrate, which is an old fashioned remedy for cystitis. You might hear it called mist pot cit for short. This drug can be very harmful if taken in large amounts.
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Prostate Cancer Caregiver Podcast Series
We are proud to announce a new podcast series geared toward helping give support, hope and guidance to prostate cancer caregivers. The goal of this Prostate Cancer Caregiver Podcast Series is to help others connect with a diverse group of people who have felt the impact of prostate cancer in their lives and empower them on their journey.
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Management Of Urinary Dysfunction
Because the urinary symptoms following radiation therapy are irritative in nature, drugs that improve urinary flow and treat irritative bladder symptoms are commonly prescribed to all men following radiation therapy for at least a few weeks. They are gradually withdrawn as symptoms improve.In cases of persistent urinary incontinence, surgical procedures, including a sling that relieves pressure buildup in the abdomen or artificial sphincters provide long lasting results.
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Frequent Urination Burning With Urination And Difficulty Urinating
These are the most common complaints. Occasionally the urinary stream will weaken. Generally these symptoms are managed with medications to help the bladder function better or eliminate burning. Rarely, your doctor may order a urine test. Symptoms will resolve after the end of treatment. Contact your doctor if you see blood in your urine or if you are unable to urinate.
What You Need To Know About The Prostate Blood In Urine After Radiation For Prostate Cancer
A enlarged prostate can also cause blockages in the urethra. A blocked urethra can also damage the kidneys. A patient suffering from an enlargement of the prostate may have pain in his lower abdomen and genitals. If pain is present, a digital rectal examination will reveal hard areas. A doctor may prescribe surgery or perform an endoscopic procedure. If the enlarged prostate is not completely removed, it will shrink.
While the size of an enlarged prostate will influence the extent of urinary symptoms, men may experience a range of urinary symptoms. Some men have minimal or no symptoms at all. Some men will have a very enlarged prostate, whereas others will have a mild enlargement. Generally, the symptoms can stabilize over time. Some men may have an enlarged prostate but not notice it. If they have an enlarged colon, their physician can perform a TURP procedure.
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What Can Help With Leaking Urine
There are treatments and products available that can help, and there are things you can do to help yourself. Your treatment options will depend on how much urine youre leaking, and how recently you had your prostate cancer treatment.
Treatments and products available that can help include:
- absorbent pads and pants
- bed protectors and handheld urinals
If you have sudden urges to urinate and sometimes leak urine before you get to the toilet , you may be offered bladder retraining.
If you still leak urine six to twelve months after surgery and pelvic floor muscle exercises havent helped, there are treatments available that might help. These may include:
- an internal male sling
- adjustable balloons
Talk to your doctor or nurse about treatments and products that may be suitable for you.
Absorbent pads and pants
These can be worn inside your underwear or instead of underwear to soak up any leaks. Some people find it helpful to wear close fitting underwear with pads. You may want to try female pads as your leaking improves, as these tend to be smaller and lighter and may fit better. Pads are usually very discreet, so people wont know youre wearing them. But you may feel more confident wearing dark trousers so it wont show as much if your pad does leak.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises
Read about pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Urinary sheaths
Bed protectors and handheld urinals
Penile clamps
Internal male sling
Like all treatments, there can be side effects.
Adjustable balloons
Urological Complications After Radiation Therapynothing Ventured Nothing Gained: A Narrative Review
Joanna Chorbiska^, Wojciech Krajewski^, Romuald Zdrojowy^
Department of Urology and Oncologic Urology , , Poland
Contributions: Conception and design: W Krajewski, J Chorbiska Administrative support: R Zdrojowy Provision of study materials or patients: R Zdrojowy Collection and assembly of data: J Chorbiska, W Krajewski Data analysis and interpretation: J Chorbiska, W Krajewski Manuscript writing: All authors Final approval of manuscript: All authors.
^ORCID: Joanna Chorbiska, 0000-0001-9792-4450 Wojciech Krajewski, 0000-0003-1727-2283 Romuald Zdrojowy, 0000-0002-1634-3556.
Correspondence to:
Keywords: Radiotherapy urological complications pelvic malignancy radiation cystitis
Submitted Jul 24, 2020. Accepted for publication Nov 20, 2020.
doi: 10.21037/tcr-20-2589
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Symptomatic treatment of an enlarged prostate usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be the best option if you suffer from chronic urination. It will help the body adjust to the increased size of the prostate. Also, taking regular urination intervals will help retrain the bladder to function properly. Inactivity also contributes to urine retention, and cold temperatures can increase the urge to urinate.
Invasive treatment of enlarged prostate includes medication that relieves the pressure on the urethra and bladder. However, if the condition is severe, it may require surgical intervention. If treatment is not successful, the enlarged prostate can become a potentially life-threatening disease. As the hormone levels in the body change, the enlarged prostate can lead to various complications, including urinary retention and even cancer. This is why it is critical to see a doctor for further evaluation.
Many men get urinary problems as a side effect of their treatment. This is because prostate cancer treatment can damage the nerves and muscles that control when you urinate .
If youre starting treatment for prostate cancer, ask your doctor about the possible side effects. Each treatment can cause different urinary problems. Your chances of getting each side effect will depend on the treatment youre having, and on whether or not you had urinary problems before starting treatment.
Urine Test May Spot Aggressive Prostate Cancer
THURSDAY, Nov. 4, 2021
A urine test might one day be able to tell which prostate cancer patients need immediate treatment and which dont, British researchers report.
Prostate cancer can be divided into low and high risk the low-risk men rarely require treatment, and the high-risk certainly do, said study author Jeremy Clark, a senior research associate at Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia in Norfolk. However, there is a third group, called intermediate risk, which falls between these extremes, and the treatment pathway for these men is less clear.
Prostate cancer is common over 40% of 50-year-old men will have prostate cancer but not everyone is dying of it, so deciding which men to treat is not always easy, Clark said.
We have developed a simple urine test that can measure the presence of aggressive cancer and also how much aggressive cancer is present, he said.
The test appears to be able to assess how much aggressive cancer is present in these intermediate-risk men, and so could be used to identify a group of intermediate-risk men that could avoid immediate treatment, which includes surgery and radiotherapy, and instead, these men could be monitored by active surveillance by being retested yearly to see if their disease is stable or not, Clark said. Around a quarter of the intermediate-risk men could fall into this group.
The report was published Nov. 3 in the journal Life.
More information
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Swelling Bruising Or Tenderness Of The Scrotum
Symptoms generally resolve on their own within three to five days. Oral anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen are usually sufficient for pain relief, if necessary. You should avoid hot tubs and Jacuzzis for at least two to three days after the procedure. Postpone bike riding until the tenderness is gone.
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Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
IMRT, an advanced form of 3D-CRT therapy, is the most common type of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. It uses a computer-driven machine that moves around the patient as it delivers radiation. Along with shaping the beams and aiming them at the prostate from several angles, the intensity of the beams can be adjusted to limit the doses of radiation reaching nearby normal tissues. This lets doctors deliver an even higher radiation dose to the cancer.
Some newer radiation machines have imaging scanners built into them. This advance, known as image guided radiation therapy , lets the doctor take pictures of the prostate just before giving the radiation to make minor adjustments in aiming. This appears to help deliver the radiation even more precisely and results in fewer side effects.
A variation of IMRT is called volumetric modulated arc therapy . It uses a machine that delivers radiation quickly as it rotates once around the body. This allows each treatment to be given over just a few minutes. Although this can be more convenient for the patient, it hasnt yet been shown to be more effective than regular IMRT.
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Leaking Urine After Surgery To Remove The Prostate Gland
Surgery to remove the prostate gland is called radical prostatectomy. Around 70 out of 100 men have problems controlling their bladder 6 months after a radical prostatectomy.
When you wake up from your operation you have a tube into your bladder to drain urine. This is a urinary catheter. You have this in place for a couple of weeks and then you go back to hospital to have the catheter removed.
You’re likely to have some urine leakage when the catheter is taken out. Its a good idea to have a supply of incontinence pads at home and to take a couple with you to hospital. You can buy these at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Its hard to say how long it will take for you to get back your bladder control. This varies between men and depends on:
- the type of surgery you had
- whether you had any problems before or during your operation
Most people get better within 3 to 6 months of their operation. But for some, it takes 1 or 2 years. A small number of men might have permanent urinary problems.