Side Effects of Treatment

Although great strides have been made in the treatment of prostate cancer, there are side effects associated with most of the treatments. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, along with the cancer cells, side effects are common. Side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment, and may not be the same for each man. They also can change from one treatment session to the next. Before treatment starts, your health care team will explain possible side effects and suggest ways to help you manage them.

After prostatectomy surgery, the possible complications include impotence and urinary incontinence, although nerve-sparing techniques may reduce the risk of these complications.

In those few cases where removal of the testicles is required to manipulate hormones some bruising and swelling can occur but this will gradually disappear. The loss of testosterone production can lead to problems with sexual function, osteoporosis, and loss of muscle mass.

Side effects of external radiation can include loss of appetite, fatigue, skin reactions such as redness and irritation, rectal burning or injury, diarrhea, inflamed bladder, and blood in the urine. Again, these side effects are not permanent, and will gradually decrease after your treatment is completed.

Side effects caused by internal radiation may include pain, swelling or bruising in your penis or scrotum, red-brown urine and semen, impotence, incontinence, and diarrhea.

There are also side effects associated with hormonal therapy. Depending on the drugs used, the possible side effects include erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, liver problems, diarrhea, and enlarged breasts.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs given and the frequency and duration of the treatment. Some of the side effects for the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs to treat prostate cancer include:

• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention
• Hair loss
• Lowering of your white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets
• Mouth sores
• Nausea
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Upset stomach
• Weight gain

These side effects will gradually decrease after your treatment is completed. Meanwhile, your health care team will recommend lifestyle adjustments and medications that can help you handle the discomfort of the side effects.