Radiation for Prostate Cancer

Radiation Therapy services offered in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA

Radiation for Prostate Cancer provides a safe and effective way to damage or destroy cancer cells. At Comprehensive Urology in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the board-certified urologists use it to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and treat cancer symptoms. Call the office today or book online to learn if you can benefit from this therapy.

Q&A

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy for Prostate Cancer uses high-frequency energy to damage or destroy cancer cells. The radiation affects the DNA inside the cancerous cells, preventing them from replicating.

This therapy is among the most prevalent prostate cancer treatments because it can target specific parts of your body. That reduces the risk of complications.

What types of therapy are there?

Comprehensive Urology offers two types of therapy:

External beam therapy

You sit or lie on an exam table during external beam radiation. Your Comprehensive Urology provider uses a large machine to send high-energy radiation waves inside your body. The waves are invisible but penetrate your skin, damaging or destroying the cancer cells.

Internal beam

During this therapy, your Comprehensive Urology provider sends radiation into your body with an implantable device, like a wire, tube, or capsule

Internal beam therapy is done in an operating suite at the hospital to better contain the radiation. It’s more precise than external beam therapy and requires a general anesthetic.

Which therapy might benefit me?

The type of radiation for prostate cancer that will most benefit you depends on several things, including:

Cancer type
Tumor size
Location of the cancer
Your general health
Whether you need cancer treatment

Your provider also considers how close the cancer is to other tissues sensitive to radiation.

Does radiation therapy cause side effects?

Radiation for prostate cancer is usually well-tolerated, but it’s normal to experience side effects, including:

Fatigue
Hair loss
Skin irritation
Pain
Headaches
Nausea

You might also experience site-specific symptoms. For example, if you’re undergoing therapy for prostate cancer, you might experience urinary incontinence or have difficulty urinating.

How much will I need?

The amount of radiation for prostate cancer you need depends on several things, including where and how severe the cancer is and your age. Comprehensive Urology usually recommends a series of treatment sessions over several weeks. You take weekends off to give your body time to recuperate. Keep in mind that starting off with a clear diagnosis is the first step to any effective Prostate Cancer Treatment program to ensure you don’t have a condition with symptoms similar to prostate cancer such as BPH.

Before starting a prostate cancer treatment plan, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Prostate Cancer is diagnosed using a combination of PSA bloodwork, a physical exam, a medical history of your prostate cancer symptoms, and an MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsy.

Request a consultation at Comprehensive Urology today. Call the office to speak with a staff member or click the button below. Learn more about radiation therapy near me today.

Kia Michel, MD

Written by Dr. Kia Michel, a board certified urologist, surgeon, and founding member of Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Dr. Michel's expertise includes focal therapy (HIFU/TULSA), prostate cancer treatment, robotic surgery, and male enhancement treatments such as Shockwave Therapy for ED and penile injections.

Dr. Michel's Bio