Prostate cancer is the most common malignant affliction in men and it represents an important cause for mortality. However, if the cancer is spotted in early stages, the disease can be treated efficiently, and the patient can be cured. The prostate cancer percentage receiving radiation therapy depends on the stage reached by the disease and other afflictions that the patient might present.



Usually, in early stages, prostate cancer does not show any symptoms. Still, when symptoms appear, patients claim dull pain in the pelvic area, frequent urination, difficult urination, weak urine jet, the presence of blood in the urine or sperm, painful ejaculation, persistent pain in the bones at hip level or in the spine, loss of appetite and loss of weight.



Diagnosis - Detection of prostate cancer is achieved through two ways: digital rectal examination and inspection of the prostatic specific antigen levels (PSA). Most urologists believe that apparently healthy men, aged over 50, should get an annual digital rectal examination and a PSA test, in order to detect any potential prostate cancer early on. The age threshold should be reduced to 40 for men who have a family history of prostate cancer.

The digital rectal examination allows the inspection of the prostate, meant to outline any anomalies in size, consistency and shape, which raise suspicion of malignancy; in addition there could be other changes noticed, which allow the detection of other afflictions of the colon and rectum. The PSA test measures the PSA levels in the blood. PSA is a substance secreted on a prostate level. Analysis of PSA increases the chances of detecting prostate cancer and this test is usually performed at least one or two weeks after the rectal digital examination. However, not all high levels of PSA are signs of malignancy, since, for example, ejaculation can temporarily increase the PSA levels in the blood.

Whenever rectal digital examination and PSA testing raises suspicion of prostate cancer, the specialist performs a biopsy, namely collects some prostatic tissue which is later analyzed under a microscope.

Radiotherapy for prostate cancer can be performed in two ways: external radiotherapy and brachytherapy, with the prostate cancer percentage receiving radiation therapy being similar in efficiency with that seen in early cases of prostate cancer.In external radiotherapy, small doses are administered progressively on a prostate level, in an interval of 6 to 7 weeks. Technological advancements allow, in some centers, the irradiation of the prostate with high doses, without significant damage to the neighboring organs.



Brachytherapy is a method by which radioactive sources, of small sizes, are implanted directly into the prostate, through special needles and using ultrasonic control. The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthetics, and is usually well tolerated, with minimal complications. The main side effects of radiotherapy are connected to the effects of radiation on the urinary bladder and rectum, with the occurrence of specific irritation symptoms. The occurrence of erectile dysfunction is similar to that generated by surgical procedure.