Essential Information about Prostate Cancer Treatment

There are many prostate cancer treatment options available today. In general, there are 3 main prostate cancer treatment options. They are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy. There are also new treatments that are presently in the clinical trial stage. In some patients, especially the older patients, simply monitoring the growth of the tumor is also a treatment option. The life expectancy of some patients is no difference as normal healthy men because the tumor is very slow growing. In such case, it may be more beneficial not to do anything.

Surgery as a Prostate Cancer Treatment Option

In general, surgery seeks to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. It is often recommended for early stage cancer, which possibly has not spread beyond the prostate. The common surgery for prostate cancer treatment is known as radical prostatectomy. As with any surgery, there are risks involved although it is a relatively simple procedure. You should be fully aware of the benefits and risks beforehand. Surgery as a treatment option, is often done in conjunction with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy as a Prostate Cancer Treatment Option

There are two main types of radiation treatments. The conventional mean is through external radiation machine. In the other, radioactive pellets are injected into the prostate gland. Both methods are equally effective in treating prostate cancer. The conventional mean is time-consuming but has less side effect compared to the injection method. However, injection method therapy can be done in one session compared to several days using the machine method. Higher doses of radiation can be directed right on the cancer. However, you may feel more discomfort.

Hormonal Therapy as a Prostate Cancer Treatment Option

Hormonal therapy lowers the level of male hormone, which help the prostate tumor to grow. Hormone therapy is most often used for patients with cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. It takes 1 or 2 years to take effect and can shrink the size of the tumor. However, most tumors will start to grow again after some time.

Chemotherapy as a Prostate Cancer Treatment Option

Drugs are also used to control and treat prostate cancer. The good news is that there are new and more effective drugs are undergoing clinical trials. Most are often used in conjunction with other treatment option.

There are many prostate cancer treatment options, if you have doubts about which prostate cancer treatment is for you, you can find out more from your doctor.

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