Medical Treatments for Prostate Cancer

There are many different medical treatments for prostate cancer that involve the clinical care of a healthcare professional. These treatments include expectant therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Expectant therapy is to carefully observe and monitor the prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer cells often spread very slowly, many older men who have the disease may not need more extensive treatment. However, expectant therapy usually includes routine physician examinations, including digital rectal exams and PSA tests. The different types of surgery for prostate cancer are radical prostatectomy - an open-surgery procedure in which the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue are removed. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - surgery to remove part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra. Cryosurgery - this procedure involves killing the cancer cells by freezing them with a small metal tool placed in the tumor. Side effects of prostate cancer surgery include incontinence and impotence. Incontinence is the inability to control urine and may result in dribbling of urine, especially immediately after surgery. Normal control usually returns within weeks or months after surgery. Impotence is the inability to achieve an erection. For a month, or so, after surgery, most men are not able to get an erection. Eventually, approximately 40 to 60 percent of men will be able to get an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, but without ejaculation of semen, since removal of the prostate gland prevents that process.

Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells, and to decrease their ability to divide. Radiation is often used to treat prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate gland, or has spread only to nearby tissue. If the disease is advanced, radiation may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and to provide relief from symptoms. Possible side effects of radiation for prostate cancer may include diarrhea, with or without blood in the stool, and colitis, problems associated with urination, a degree of impotence (inability to get an erection), which may occur within two years of radiation therapy.

The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones in the body, particularly testosterone. Hormone therapy does not cure the cancer, and is often used to treat persons whose cancer has spread or recurred after treatment. Produced mainly in the testicles, testosterone causes prostate cancer cells to grow. Thus, reduced testosterone levels can make the prostate cancer shrink and become less active. Most studies show that hormone therapy works better if it is started early. Chemotherapy is the use of powerful, anti-cancer medications to kill cancer cells.. Hospitalization may be needed to monitor treatment and chemotherapy's side effects. Common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting, hair loss, anemia, reduced ability of blood to clot, mouth sores, increased likelihood of developing infections, fatigue. Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped.

benign enlargement of prostate
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia which means a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Enlarged prostate
Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign

eMedicine - Prostate Hyperplasia, Benign : Article by Raymond J
Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that may restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
The enlargement of the prostate gland stretches and distorts the urethra and so . Newer treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia already exist and are

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlargement of the prostate)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlargement of the prostate). Reviewed by Mr John Macfarlane, consultant urological surgeon What is benign prostatic

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Enlarged Prostate - urologychannel
Overview, causes, anatomy, risk factors, and signs of benign prostate hyperplasia, BPH, or benign prostate enlargement described here.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Bph): Online References For Health
The majority of men older than 60 years will be affected by benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can be caused by

Prostate Gland Enlargement Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Patient UK
The prostate gland commonly becomes larger in older men. This is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It can cause problems with passing urine.

Prostate gland enlargement - MayoClinic.com
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for prostate gland enlargement. Treatment of prostate gland enlargement depends on your signs and

Andrology Australia - Prostate Enlargement or BPH
What is prostate enlargement or BPH? BPH refers to benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hypertrophy, the most common disease affecting the prostate gland.

Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Provides basic information about the prostate gland and prostate enlargement. Describes symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.


benign enlargement of prostate
cure orgasm prostate prostate
after hypogonadism prostatectomy should treated
canine prostate problems
bph problem prostate symptom