Prostate Cancer Treatment
The prostate is an organ the size of a walnut, surrounding the urethra, producing a fluid that becomes part of the male’s semen. A malignant growth in the prostate is referred to as prostate cancer and is very common especially in older men. Prostate cancer is devastating for men and traditional as well as non-traditional prostate cancer treatments are made available in our present time.
Prostate cancer treatment begins from the time of diagnosis when the man copes with stress caused by disbelief, fear, anger, and depression. A positive attitude towards the situation must be encouraged although acceptance comes gradually. Coping with prostate cancer treatment and the cancer itself can be traumatic. Patients diagnosed with the cancer actively participate in deciding process on which treatment to consider. Physicians make an effort to encourage patients to maintain a normal routine as much as possible, engage in physical activity, and stay optimistic.
Prostate cancer treatment may vary from one cancer case to another. Common methods are surgery, medication, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other alternative therapies. Side effects are expected and the cancer may lead to incontinence, impotence, and nerve damage. Dietary supplements and herbal medicines are made available to prostate cancer patients but these options must be properly evaluated before administration.
The prostate cancer treatment that best addresses the patient’s case depends on the spread of the cancer, age, prognosis, and potential benefits and side effects of the given available treatments. Experts work with patients to determine the appropriate therapy and combination of therapies.
Advanced prostate cancer treatments are often combinations of different therapies. Radiation follows surgery to make sure that the cancer cells don’t recur and is also paired with hormone treatment. Radiation kills the cancer by directing radioactive beams on the cancer or by using radioactive implants in the tumor.
Laproscopy, retropubic surgery, or perineal surgery refers to the surgical treatment methods by removing the prostate gland. This is considered the best prostate cancer treatment because it presents a definite cure even if uncomfortable side effects may be experienced.
Brachytherapy or radioactive seed implants is a popular method of curing prostate cancer. The surgeon delivers a higher dose of radiation to the tumor location for a longer period of time.
New prostate cancer treatment methods direct greater radiation to the prostate cancer with lesser damaging effects to the nearby tissues. External beam radiation therapy or EBRT uses high powered x-ray machines to destroy the prostate cancer cells through mapping the area that needs to receive such radiation.
Chemotherapy involves the use of chemicals to kill the cancer cells. It is a very effective treatment method but does not cure the disease. A number of side effects may be experienced.
Hormonal therapy refers to inhibition of testosterone production in the body.
Watchful waiting is an approach used for prostate cancer in situations with a high likelihood of self-resolution. High uncertainty in diagnosis and risks of therapy may outweigh health benefits. Watchful waiting prior to surgery when possibilities may present worsening of a symptom.
