Prostate Cancer Treatment with High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

Posted by Kyra Rodriguez on February 21st, 2020

It’s always important to empower patients with information and proper treatment. This World Cancer Awareness Day, learn more about a type of cancer common amongst males. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the male prostate gland. Without proper treatment, it could spread to other parts of the body. In order to get prostate cancer treatment, it’s important to learn more about it. Read on!

Prostate Cancer Affects Males

The prostate gland is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Found behind these glands are seminal vesicles, which are responsible for making the fluid for semen. Prostate cancer happens when the cells in the prostate gland grow at uncontrollable rates. It is a type of cancer that can grow and spread rapidly, but in most cases, prostate cancer cells grow slowly.

Prostate Cancer Has No Exact Cause

Prostate cancer has no exact cause, but there are many risks that are associated with it. Age can directly put you at risk especially if you’re over 50 years old. This risk is even more evident if the individual is a smoker and overweight. Your chances of getting prostate cancer from smoking are doubled especially if you’re a chain smoker or a heavy smoker.

Prostate Cancer Has No Symptoms During Early Stages

During the late stages of prostate cancer, you may find it painful to ejaculate. There may also be a pain in your lower back, hips, and upper thighs. Another sign of advanced prostate cancer is a loss of appetite and sudden weight loss. A delicate symptom that you need to be careful with is bone pain. If you’re experiencing all of this and more, visit your doctor immediately.

Prostate Cancer Can Be Treated With HDR Brachytherapy

HDR Brachytherapy makes use of around 1 to 20 catheters that are implanted into the tumor. The machine sends radioactive seeds down the catheters to deliver radiation therapy. The treatment lasts for approximately 10-20 minutes. The radioactive seeds are then removed to keep the patient’s body safe from overexposure. Depending on the severity of your cancer, you may need multiple sessions with high-dose rates.