Medical Treatments for Prostate CancerThere 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. |
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer - April 1, 1998 Finally, some evidence shows that the aggressive diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is having an effect: 1997 was the first year in which the Prostate Cancer, The Cancer Information Network Prostate Cancer FAQ - A well-written site provides good basic information about the disease, its diagnosis, screening, treatment, and prevention. Prostate Cancer - Its Diagnosis & Treatment For newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients to help them make a treatment decision. It is the beginning of their research. Prostate Cancer - Diagnosis and Treatment Options at Mayo Clinic Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options at Mayo Clinic, including minimally invasive surgery and prostatectomy. Prostate cancer information centre : Cancerbackup Information about prostate cancer, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, side effects and Treatment for locally-advanced prostate cancer MedlinePlus: Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. Diagnosis/Symptoms. Early Prostate Cancer: Questions and Answers From the National Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments, and Prevention Antidepressants Help HIV-Infected Patients Stick to Treatment. Jan 4, 2008 08:46 PM PST For many men a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening. Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment - LIVESTRONG - livestrong.org The American Society of Clinical Oncology's People Living With Cancer Web site (www.plwc.org) provides information for those recently diagnosed or Prostate surgery & prostate cancer treatment using da Vinci Robotic prostatectomy is a way to perform minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. David B. Samadi, MD, New York. Prostate Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. This program focuses on what is known about preventing prostate cancer, Sloan-Kettering - Prostate Cancer An overview of the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research of prostate cancer. Risk Factors. Any man can develop prostate cancer. |
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