Surgery Versus Internal Radiation in Treating Patients With Stage II Prostate Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate within the past 120 days * T1c-T2a, N0, M0 * No bilateral disease * Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) no greater than 10 ng/mL * In patients with prior neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT), PSA must be less than 10 ng/mL prior to therapy * Gleason score no greater than 6 * Prostate gland less than 60 cc on transrectal ultrasound or with minimal pubic arch interference OR * Prostate gland 60 cc or greater prior to NHT allowed if prostate size has been reduced to less than 60 cc by NHT PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 75 and under Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 OR * Zubrod 0-2 Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 3 mg/dL Cardiovascular: * No significant cardiovascular disease * No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease Other: * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except effectively treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or other malignancy at low risk for recurrence * No other condition that would preclude study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Endocrine therapy: * See Disease Characteristics * At least 90 days since prior NHT * Duration of therapy no greater than 120 days * No concurrent NHT Radiotherapy: * No prior radiotherapy to pelvis Surgery: * No prior surgery for prostate cancer or benign disease, including: * Transurethral resection of the prostate * Transurethral resection of the bladder neck * Cryotherapy * Laser ablation * Microwave therapy