Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Written by Cancer Treatment Writer on September 23rd, 2008Women aren’t the only ones who have specialized cancers to watch out for. Men also need to have regular physical exams in order catch the first signs of prostate cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with this disease, here are a few Prostate Cancer Treatment Options you might want to discuss with your health care provider.
One option is called a Radical Prostatectomy. This is a surgical procedure where the prostate gland is removed, along with any surrounding lymph nodes. It is seen as the best option and hospital stay is minimum. Once the surgery is complete, patients need to wear a catheter for 2-3 weeks until they regain bladder control.
Another method is through hormone therapy. This is a process that removes or reduces the levels of male hormones that aid in cancer growth. This can be done through a series of monthly shots or through the removal of the male reproductive glands. However, if the prostrate cancer comes back, little can be done if hormone therapy no longer works.
There is also the watch and wait method. Most prostate cancers grow at a very low rate of speed. In essence, a man with prostate cancer has the same life expectancy as a man without the cancer, therefore it isn’t necessary preform any treatments in the patient. As long as the tumor shows no signs of growth, there is no reason for treatment. Regular check-ups will tell your doctor what stages the tumor is in.
Men who find they have prostate cancer can still live full lives. Talk to your doctor about the different Prostate Cancer Treatment Options and which ones may be right for you. There is no reason why prostate cancer should keep you down.
October 5th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
[...] second most common form of cancer in American men, prostate cancer, can strike men of any age. Though it is most prevalent in those over 50. Additionally, African [...]