Prostate Cancer Treatments - all you need to know

View PDF | Print View
by: Eamon Greville
Total views: 0
Word Count: 469
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 Time: 1:42 AM
0 comments

The National Cancer Society describe prostate cancer as a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate.

Since the disease affects specifically men, and usually only those who are older in age, the disease can cause trouble urinating, back and hip pain, blood in the urine and sexual malfunctions as well, like pain when releasing sperm.

There are effective treatments for prostate cancer, however, and they're not all as invasive as chemotherapy.

Surgery is a frequent option for treatment, as it can remove either the pelvic lymph nodes, which can hold cancerous tissue, or the entire prostate and the cancerous tissue surrounding it. If there are indicators of cancer cells in the tissue of the lymph nodes, then there is no need to remove the entire prostate, but treatment is still needed to eradicate the cancer cells completely.

* Radiation is another possible option for prostate cancer treatment, using x-rays and other forms of radiation to kill off the cancer cells to prevent them from growing and coming back. Whether it is used internally or externally, radiation therapy can cause urination and sexual problems in men receiving this form of treatment.

This option is only viable if the tumor is still inside the lymph nodes or prostate altogether, and isn't necessary if the tumor has spread its way out of the prostate. For that type of prostate cancer, * Hormone therapy can be used to slow down or stop the production of male hormones, which are mainly found in the testicles. The testicles, either one or both, may also be removed during hormone therapy in order to rid the body of the androgens that create the male hormone.

* For older men in the early stages of prostate cancer, an option of watchful waiting might also be used. This requires the watching of the tumor's growth and rapidity to monitor whether treatment will be required. Some cancerous prostate tumors grow at a slower rate, which means the risks of cancer treatment might not be beneficial at the end-of-life stage, when a man might be more susceptible to the side effects of treatment.

* New therapies are being developed, such as cryotherapy, to freeze the cancer cells and destroy them. Ultimately, the treatment chosen is what's right for each individual.

Deciding which of the above options may be the most appropriate can be one of the most difficult aspects of managing prostate cancer.

It can frequently feel rather bewildering for doctor and patient alike. In truth we do not know the best treatment for prostate cancer. Therefore, it is essential that you arm yourself with good quality relevant information and discuss the best way forward with your family and doctor

About the Author

Rest assured there is much that can be offered following a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. For more free essential information, advice and suggested resources on Prostate Cancer Treatments head over to: http://www.prostatenews.co.uk/