subject: Prostate Brachytherapy [print this page] Prostate Brachytherapy Prostate Brachytherapy
Prostate cancer is the number one cancer for men in the United States. It generally tends to appear in men between the ages of 50-64. Fortunately due to new technology to detect prostate cancer, many men are able to treat the cancer before it becomes fatal.
Once such treatment is Prostate Brachytherapy. This type of treatment involves inserting seeds or pellets, about the size of a piece of rice, either through the rectum or with a hollow ended needle. In some cases, close to a hundred pellets may be placed in and around the tumor.
The seeds are then dosed with levels of radiation over a period of time in order to destroy the cancer. Levels are adjusted depending on the severity of the cancer and are classified as either low-dose prostate Brachytherapy or high-dose Brachytherapy.
This type of treatment is generally done on an out-patient basis and men who choose prostate Brachytherapy are rightfully concerned as to whether or not the radiation they are experiencing could affect those close to them.
The irony of radiation treatments is that while radiation effectively kills cancer, it can also cause cancer. Levels of radiation experienced by x-ray machines, or by radiation emitted by prostate Brachytherapy can cause cells to change. The cancer caused by radiation may take years to appear. Therefore it is crucial that those who undergo Brachytherapy understand the possible risks to those around them.
Brachytherapy releases radiation over time. Because the person undergoing the treatment does so on an outpatient bases, they are able to have the comfort of being at home. While the radiation levels emitted by these people are of a low enough dose that adverse effects are not expected, certain precautions should be taken.
Time spent with children or women who are at any stage of pregnancy should be limited. Children's systems are still developing and children are more susceptible to effects of lower dowses of radiation than adults. In keeping with that notion, children are not advised to sit on the patient's lap for extended periods of time, or sleep in the same bed as a parent undergoing this type of treatment.
For the first couple of weeks, sexual intercourse should be avoided. There is also a chance that a pellet may be passed through ejaculation depending on where the pellets are placed, so be sure to wear a condom.
Take all the hugs you need. Touch is crucial for the survival of human beings, however be cautious of the health of those around you. If you are concerned, discuss safety issues with your doctor or medical specialist.
