Hello,
In
prostate cancer treatment options are surgery and
radiation therapy. Recently a large trial consisting of around 10000 patients has proven that surgery and radiation therapy are equally efficacious in terms of survival.
What discriminates the two is the side effect profile. With surgery common side effects include bladder
incontinence (loss of control over urination) and
erectile dysfunction (difficulty in ejaculation);
however with recent advances chances of these side effects are less than 20% and also in most of the patients these side effects are temporary, not extending beyond 6 months.
Radiation therapy, on the other hand, has side effects like difficulty in passing urine such as more of discomfort and occasional loose motions. Similar to surgery these side effects are temporary as well.
With radiation therapy, usually, erectile dysfunction is not observed. The third option is doing nothing - called as an observation with close follow up, with this there is a 50% chance that you may not require any treatment over the next 10 years.
However which treatment will suit you the best depends upon your case details - such as extent of prostate cancer,
biopsy results, etc.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Jatin Bhatia, Radiation Oncologist