| When it comes to choosing which
method to use to treat prostate cancer, decisions for a proper
course of action are determined through sufficient analysis of
one's immediate health status. Relevant factors to consider
include 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
Regular checkups and tests will detect 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, a current health
circumstances and the healthcare delivery system in your locality
and country.
If you have questions related to this article you may e-mail me
at doctor@soontongkiong.com quoting the contents of the article.
About the author
DR SOON is a medical practitioner. He holds four degrees. MBBS
(University of Malaya), MBA (University of East Asia), LLB (Hons)
(University of Wolverhampton), Master of Medicine (Edith Cowan
University
:
Dr SOON is the owner of AskMyVisitor.com and MyScriptDoctor.com
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information
on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics. |
