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.

facts about prostate cancer
Health 24 - Prostate, What all men should know
10 interesting facts about prostate cancer. Last updated: Thursday, September 30, 2004. Here are some interesting facts concerning prostate cancer and its

Nutrition 2000 - Natural Alternatives for Cancer & Other Health Issues
Nutritional Supplements targeting Cancer and other Health Issues. PC Hopeā„¢ 2 bottles plus ESP Cream (2oz) for the Prostate Price: $184.95

Prostate Cancer Symptoms | What is Prostate Cancer | Prostate
Facts about Prostate Cancer. There are few people with extensive knowledge and information on prostate cancer. All men, particularly older men,

Everyman - Prostate cancer facts
Prostate cancer facts. Today one man in 14 is diagnosed with prostate cancer,. almost 32000 every year, and it has now overtaken lung cancer to become the

Prostate Cancer Facts and Figures
Prostate cancer facts and figures, diagnosis, surviving prostate cancer and more about prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer: Overview & Facts
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men. Genetics and age play a role in its development. But what other risks are involved?

Facts About Prostate Cancer and Its Treatment
PhysOrg news: Facts About Prostate Cancer and Its Treatment.

Prostate Cancer Information and Treatment Options
Prostate Cancer Facts is an online cancer community resource center providing people living with Prostate Cancer a place to learn and share in a supportive,

Basic Facts About Prostate Cancer
Learn more about the most common cancer among men, after skin cancer.

National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC)
Prostate Cancer Facts and Statistics. Prostate cancer risk, survival rates, and research funding comparisons. On This Page:. Diagnosis and Mortality Rates

American Cancer Society - Cancer Statistics
1) Beginning with Cancer Facts & Figures 2007, estimated new cancer cases were computed using a Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2007-2008

Amazon.com: Prostate Cancer: The Facts (The Facts Series): Books
Amazon.com: Prostate Cancer: The Facts (The Facts Series): Books: Malcolm Mason,Leslie Moffat by Malcolm Mason,Leslie Moffat.

Amazon.com: Quick Facts on Prostate Cancer (Quick Facts): Books
Amazon.com: Quick Facts on Prostate Cancer (Quick Facts): Books: American Cancer Society by American Cancer Society.

Basic Facts About Prostate Cancer
It is estimated that 234000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. That makes prostate cancer the most common cancer

FOXNews.com - Five Facts About Prostate Cancer Every Man Should
Five Facts About Prostate Cancer Every Man Should Know, Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of death in American men. Here are five facts every man

Early Prostate Cancer: Questions and Answers - National Cancer
A fact sheet that describes risk factors for prostate cancer, and symptoms and treatment options for localized disease. Discusses available screening tests.

Treatment Choices for Early-Stage Prostate Cancer - National
Facts about Prostate Cancer. What is the Prostate? Early-stage prostate cancer means that cancer cells are found only in your prostate gland.


facts about prostate cancer
biopsy procedure prostate rectum
brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer
after prostatectomy stricture urethral
brachytherapy healing prostate time