Is prostate cancer radiotherapy painful?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on April 05, 2025
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Prostate cancer radiotherapy involves high doses of radiation, which typically results in related side effects. However, the severity of these side effects varies from patient to patient depending on individual factors such as their physical constitution. Therefore, clinically, some patients may experience severe symptoms, while others may have milder symptoms, indicating significant individual differences. Common side effects of radiotherapy include radiation cystitis, characterized by frequent urination, urgency, and possibly hematuria. Radiation proctitis is also common, presenting symptoms such as a sensation of heaviness around the anus and diarrhea. Additionally, bone marrow suppression, manifesting as a decrease in white blood cells and platelets, is another side effect.

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How to treat bone metastases from prostate cancer?

The treatment of bone metastases from prostate cancer can include first-line hormonal therapy. During hormonal treatment, bisphosphonates can be used in conjunction to increase bone density. Additionally, external radiation therapy can improve localized bone pain. Patients with multiple bone metastases or bone pain can undergo radionuclide therapy. Another method is the use of analgesic drug therapy, which is also a main approach to alleviate pain from bone metastases of prostate cancer.

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Can prostate cancer be detected by ultrasound B?

Prostate cancer can generally be detected through ultrasound, as it reveals nodules in the prostate. By examining the internal echoes of these nodules, one can differentiate between benign and malignant prostate conditions. Thus, in foreign countries, ultrasound, specifically prostate color Doppler ultrasound examinations, are used as a screening method for prostate cancer. In China, screening methods also include traditional digital rectal examinations and generally involve blood tests for specific prostate tumor markers, namely PSA. These tests are combined with prostate ultrasound for a comprehensive assessment.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
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What are the causes of prostate cancer?

At present, there are many factors that cause prostate cancer, but its exact etiology remains unclear. It may be related to genetic factors, gene changes, prostate gonococcal and chlamydial infections, intensity of sexual activity, and the influence of hormones. Additionally, dietary habits, long-term consumption of high-fat foods, and occupational hazards, such as excessive exposure to chromium, may also be related to the development of the disease.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early-stage prostate cancer generally has no symptoms, but if the patient also has prostate enlargement, or in cases of mid to late-stage prostate cancer where the tumor invades the urethra or bladder, various degrees of urinary obstruction or irritative urinary symptoms may occur. This is characterized by frequent urination and urgency. If there are local infiltrative symptoms, perineal pain and sciatica might occur. If the vas deferens is compressed, it can cause back pain and pain in the testicles on the affected side. Invasion of the rectum can cause difficulty in defecation or obstruction of the colon, and if the membranous part of the urethra is involved, urinary incontinence may occur. The most common site of metastasis for prostate cancer is the bones. If it spreads to the bones, it can cause bone pain, pathological fractures, anemia, and spinal cord compression leading to paralysis of the lower limbs.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
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Prostate cancer radiotherapy is conducted in what way?

Indications for radiation therapy for prostate cancer include clinical stages T1 to T4, M0 to M1. M0-stage prostate cancer patients undergo radiation therapy techniques including external beam radiation and brachytherapy. External beam radiation techniques comprise conventional radiation therapy, three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Permanent seed implantation is used only for the treatment of early-stage localized prostate cancer with a good prognosis. External radiation therapy is divided into three categories based on therapeutic objectives: curative, adjuvant, and palliative radiation therapy.