When it comes to prostate cancer treatment options, decisions for a proper course of action are determined through sufficient analysis of ones immediate health status. Numerous factors come into play, including age, overall health, cancer cell amount, cancer stage, as well as personal preferences. Prostate cancer is a highly curable disease when detected and treated early. This slow-growing menace often allows patients to take the time to fully research all possible prostate cancer treatment options before making a final decision.
There are three main approaches towards eliminating prostate cancer. Below you will find a brief explanation regarding these and a few other considerations:
Observation
Through watchful waiting, regular checkups and tests will monitor a slow-growing cancer when caught early enough. This treatment option is often chosen by men who are in their 70s and 80s, as they wish to avoid the side effects that come with having surgery and radiation at a late age.
Surgery
When surgery is performed to remove the cancer, it is called a prostatectomy, where the prostate gland is taken out. During this procedure, lymph nodes might also be removed as well. To make sure surrounding nerves aren’t damaged, such as the ones that are responsible for having an erection, it is suggested to seek out a surgeon who is quite familiar with this type of operation.
Radiation
Intense energy rays (much like X-rays) are used to eradicate cancer through this treatment method. While each treatment lasts for only a minute or two, radiation is administered five times per week for a period of 4-8 weeks. There are two different manners in which radiation is given: internally and externally. A large machine delivers external radiation, while needles inject radioactive seeds into the prostate for an internal remedy. You should also know that this option too has the potential to damage surrounding nerves.
Additional Treatment Methods
While the use of a high level of heat is still being tweaked as a prostate cancer treatment option, freezing the prostate gland to kill off cancer has been used on early-stage cancer patients. Cryosurgery deals with the insertion of probes into the prostate gland that contain very cold gas that freezes damaged tissue. As an outpatient procedure, this may take a lead in providing convenient, speedy cancer care. Only a limited amount of people has experienced this tactic, as it is too soon to conclude on its long-term effectiveness.
Ongoing Treatment
No matter what treatment method you choose, ongoing observation should continue. Regular check-ups are a must, which includes an extensive follow-up on your cancer status. A patient will most likely encounter physical exams, PSA tests, digital rectal exams, biopsies, and urinalysis.
As a patient searches for the answer to calm their prostate cancer fears, it is important to research all possible options, as well as all of the likely side effects. For some, radiation may prove too much to bear on the body, while surgery may ease chemical apprehension. Ultimately, the best outcome is one that is well thought out, matching personal preferences and current health circumstances.
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