It is a sad reality that even the best prostate cancer treatment can have side effects. For each therapeutic option, there usually exists a corresponding side effect. It is important for every patient and doctor to know the possible ramifications of treatment procedures, be it surgical, radiation-based, chemotherapy, hormonal or cryosurgery.
Surgical procedures for treating prostate cancer include radical retropubic prostatectomy, radical perineal prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and transurethral resection. The risks associated with radical prostatectomy include anesthetic risks, heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the legs and lungs and infection at the incision site. Major side effects of surgical procedures can also include urinary incontinence, impotence, sterility and lymphadema. Lymphadema is a rare complication characterized by swelling and pain particularly in the legs and the genital area. This is caused by fluid collection due to the removal of lymph nodes.
When it comes to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), the most notable side effects reported by researchers are bowel problems, bladder problems, incontinence, impotence, and in some cases, fatigue. Lymphadema is also possible after EBRT. Brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, carries some of the side effects also associated with EBRT; with bowel problems and frequent urination as the most common. Impotence can also occur although this is not as common with brachytherapy compared with other treatment methods.
The side effects associated with cryosurgery or cryoablation are often worse if the procedure is done on a patient who has already undergone radiation therapy. Men who have had radiation therapy and cryosurgery can sometimes have blood in their urine and experience soreness in the areas where the needles were placed. Swelling of the scrotum and the penis is also possible, and so are impotence and urinary incontinence. In some cases, a fistula or abnormal opening or connection between the rectum and the bladder may occur. This could result to urine leaking into the rectum and may require surgery to repair.
The debate on whether hormone therapy should be started early or used only at the advanced stage has yet to be resolved. The primary problem with the use of hormones is that over time, majority of patients become resistant to this treatment. Aside from this, hormone therapy can also cause impotence, hot flashes and loss of sex drive.
Chemotherapy, just like hormone therapy, is unlikely to result in a cure but is primarily used to slow the growth of the cancer. The main problem with chemotherapy is that it could also damage normal cells. Some of the temporary side effects associated with this procedure include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, increased risk of infection, bleeding or bruising and blood clots.
Side effects can exist even in the best prostate cancer treatment. The best thing for a patient to do is to discuss these possible risks with his doctor before deciding on the type of treatment or maintenance method.
A new study published in the September 2008 issue of CANCER from the American Cancer Society, has determined that as many as 69% of men receiving hormone deprivation therapy, a widely used treatment for patients with advanced prostate cancer, may experience detrimental effects to their cognitive abilities. According to Dr. Christian Nelson, there is strong evidence that hormone deprivation therapy is linked to "subtle but significant cognitive decline in men with prostate cancer".
The study, consisting of a literature review of cases of human patients as well as animals, was headed by Dr. Nelson, a psychologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, and concluded that androgen depletion therapy, whereby patients are chemically castrated in order to deprive cancer cells of hormones (testosterone) which drives their growth, may cause a decline in cognitive function of patients receiving the treatment.
Androgen depletion therapy has been used for a number of years as a preferred method of treatment of advanced-stage prostate cancer patients. In more recent years, the treatment has also increasingly been used for men who are in earlier stages of the cancer, which is one reason that the effects of the treatment are of concern.
Most men undergoing androgen depletion as a prostate cancer treatment are placed on the treatment for the extent of their lives. As a result, many experience effects of the therapy including fatigue, hot flashes, lack of libido, osteoporosis, hot flashes, mood swings and erectile dysfunction. All but the last of those symptoms are much the same as those experienced by women in the menopausal life stage.
The study found that testosterone may effect cognition in the brain in several ways, one of which is the stimulation of neuron connections. The study indicated that from nearly one-half to three-fourths of men treated with androgen deprivation therapy showed declines most often in processes of higher capacity, such as engaging in concurrent or multi-tasks, and with processes dependent upon spacial abilities. Problems with concentration and memory loss seemed evident.
It is apparent from the results of this study that additional, more in-depth studies of androgen deprivation therapy and its relationship to cognition need to be conducted to better understand the long-term effects of this particular prostate cancer treatment on the men receiving it. However, it is thought that discontinuing prostate cancer treatment based on the possibility of some cognitive loss should not be a consideration because of the importance of treating the disease.
Both Trevor Mulholland & James Culp are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Trevor Mulholland has sinced written about articles on various topics from Arts, Acne Treatment and Low Carb Diet. Mensglands.com provides you with info on , its treatments and symptoms and how to overcome or reduce the risk of getting it.. Trevor Mulholland's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.
James Culp has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health Insurance, Types of Cancer and Auto Insurance. James Culp is a prostate cancer survivor and runs ProstAide.org, a blog that keeps track of all the latest that are available.. James Culp's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.