Cancer is a serious disease caused by the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells. One of the most common cancers in adult American males is prostate cancer. The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces fluid and secretes it when a man ejaculates. Men who develop this disease need to know about the prostate cancer treatment options currently available.
A qualified physician will choose a treatment based on several factors, including the results of a physical examination. Different treatments are effective depending on whether the cancer is recurring or the physician has just diagnosed the disease. The disease's stage of development, the patient's age, and any other health concerns go into deciding the best course of action.
Physicians will typically take a watchful approach when a screening test indicates cancerous cells in an older man who is not having symptoms. This means no treatments unless and until the patient develops symptoms. If the disease progresses, the physician relies on regular testing to monitor the patient. The test results will let the physician know if the disease is getting worse or starting to spread to other areas.
Some patients are treated with minimally invasive techniques while others require surgery. Blocking the actions of various male hormones is sometimes effective for slowing or stopping the growth of cancerous tissue. An extreme form of hormone therapy involves removing the testicles, which are responsible for producing the majority of the body's supply of testosterone. Oral medications may be prescribed to inhibit the action of certain androgens.
Surgery is an option if the disease is confined to the prostate gland and the man is in good health otherwise. The surgeon may remove the entire gland or targeted tissues. In some cases, the surgery includes removal of the lymph nodes.
Radiation is a common therapy for killing cancerous cells or restricting their rate of growth. State of the art external radiation equipment uses a computer and sophisticated imaging technology to configure radiation beams into the exact shape of the tumor. This saves surrounding healthy tissues from receiving radiation. An alternative delivery method involves placing radioactive seeds in the diseased area. Cells that are invading bone tissue may be killed with injections of radioactive radium-223.
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that patients may receive orally or through injections. Chemical cocktails inhibit new growth and kill diseased tissue. Physicians may inject the chemicals into muscles, veins, or the cerebral spinal fluid.
The patient's physician will do a thorough physical examination and run a series of tests to determine the best solution for the individual. Patients should be sure to discuss all known side effects and be aware of what to expect before, during, and after treatment. Depending on the situation, certain patients may be eligible to enter clinical trials for new treatments still under development. Some of the new techniques in this area of medicine include proton beam radiation, cryosurgery, and high intensity ultrasound. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer can go on to live long and productive lives with the proper treatment by a qualified medical professional.
A qualified physician will choose a treatment based on several factors, including the results of a physical examination. Different treatments are effective depending on whether the cancer is recurring or the physician has just diagnosed the disease. The disease's stage of development, the patient's age, and any other health concerns go into deciding the best course of action.
Physicians will typically take a watchful approach when a screening test indicates cancerous cells in an older man who is not having symptoms. This means no treatments unless and until the patient develops symptoms. If the disease progresses, the physician relies on regular testing to monitor the patient. The test results will let the physician know if the disease is getting worse or starting to spread to other areas.
Some patients are treated with minimally invasive techniques while others require surgery. Blocking the actions of various male hormones is sometimes effective for slowing or stopping the growth of cancerous tissue. An extreme form of hormone therapy involves removing the testicles, which are responsible for producing the majority of the body's supply of testosterone. Oral medications may be prescribed to inhibit the action of certain androgens.
Surgery is an option if the disease is confined to the prostate gland and the man is in good health otherwise. The surgeon may remove the entire gland or targeted tissues. In some cases, the surgery includes removal of the lymph nodes.
Radiation is a common therapy for killing cancerous cells or restricting their rate of growth. State of the art external radiation equipment uses a computer and sophisticated imaging technology to configure radiation beams into the exact shape of the tumor. This saves surrounding healthy tissues from receiving radiation. An alternative delivery method involves placing radioactive seeds in the diseased area. Cells that are invading bone tissue may be killed with injections of radioactive radium-223.
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that patients may receive orally or through injections. Chemical cocktails inhibit new growth and kill diseased tissue. Physicians may inject the chemicals into muscles, veins, or the cerebral spinal fluid.
The patient's physician will do a thorough physical examination and run a series of tests to determine the best solution for the individual. Patients should be sure to discuss all known side effects and be aware of what to expect before, during, and after treatment. Depending on the situation, certain patients may be eligible to enter clinical trials for new treatments still under development. Some of the new techniques in this area of medicine include proton beam radiation, cryosurgery, and high intensity ultrasound. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer can go on to live long and productive lives with the proper treatment by a qualified medical professional.
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