Prostate Cancer Treatments : Risks and Side Effects.
With whatever choice of prostate cancer treatments you make, it is important like in all other medical treatment to be well-informed of the risks and side effects you may have to contend with so as to help you cope with them, and for your necessary psychological well-being.
The side-effects associated with surgery result from the fact that surgical prostate removal affects the muscles that control urination and sexual function. So expect a certain amount of loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence ) especially when you sneeze, cough or laugh. This may last a few weeks or months. Happily, most men do regain bladder control.
Another risk that comes with radical prostatectomy is erectile dysfunction. In surgery, nerves that control erections are damaged or altogether removed. Nonetheless many men, some even in their 70s are known to regain and maintain normal sexual functioning. But men who had problems with achieving and maintaining erection even before surgery have a high risk of becoming impotent after prostate cancer surgery.
One of the biggest risk involved in prostate cancer hormone therapy as a form of treatment is that it comes with a higher risk of heart attack during the first 2 years. If you are predisposed to high blood pressure, high cholesterol or are a smoker this may not be a suitable method to use. The doctor will advice you. Other side-effects of the hormone therapy can include: breast enlargement, erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive, weight gain and hot flashes. The medications may also cause nausea, liver damage and diarrhea.
Where the choice of treatment is prostate radiation therapy short term side effects are mild and disappear soon after treatment in the case of external beam therapy but may be a little more persistent in the case of seed therapy. Any serious complications are rare. However the longer term effects of radiating therapy include:
- the cancer could recur many years after radiation therapy
- erectile dysfunction, about 50% of patients may experience impotence
- urinary incontinence, frequent urination, urinary burning, urinary bleeding
- rectal discomfort and maybe even diarrhea.
Many men feel that the side effects of the above medical procedures far outweigh the benefits and since many tumors are small and slow growing, they choose to take the watchful waiting option where no treatment is involved but visits to the doctor are frequent for close monitoring. The only risk here is sometimes it is hard to tell just how slowly or quickly the cancer is growing.
These are the main forms of prostrate cancer treatments and knowing the pros and cons of each treatment will help in your making the right choice for you. Do remember in all cases to make the choice in careful consultation with your doctor.
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