General Facts About Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

By Nancy Gardner


The number of people diagnosed with cancer has been on the rise over the years. This can be mostly attributed to the fact that most people are embracing a certain lifestyle that is likely to increase chances of one getting the disease. One of the common kinds of this disease today is cancer of the prostate gland. It is important to note that this ailment is mostly common among the older people within the society. Early diagnosis and quick access to treatment can save a life thus it is important to know about prostate cancer treatment options.

The main causes of this disease include exposure to radiation and carcinogenic substances. Recent research shows that hereditary factors in some cases can increase the chances of one developing the disease. It has been noted that the increased use of highly processed foods, tobacco, alcohol and lack of physical activity can contribute to development of the disease. It is important for people to make the necessary lifestyle changes so as to reduce their chances of developing the disease.

A lot of money has been put into research and awareness so as to ensure that many people stay healthy and reduce their chances of developing this vicious disease. Over the years, it has been discovered that increased intake of tobacco, alcohol and processed foods can increase your chances of developing a particular kind of disease. Also, people are encouraged to frequently indulge in physical activities so as to reduce the chances of getting this disease.

Diagnosis can be done by medical practitioners by using machines such as MRI and trans rectal ultrasound equipment or by conducting physical checks. It is important to note that these methods are confirmed by getting tissue samples from the prostate gland. After confirming that a patient has this disease, doctors first determine the extent of the disease so as to know if the cancer is localized or not.

It is important to note that the method of treatment will depend on whether the cancerous cells have spread or not. Early detection enables the doctors to deal effectively with the disease in the early stages when it has not spread. At this stage the cancerous prostate gland can be removed through surgical procedures. After this procedure, a patient undergoes radiotherapy to finish off cancerous cells that could have invaded surrounding tissues.

It is important to note that the method of treatment use to deal with the disease often depends on the stage at which diagnosis has been made and if the cancer cells have spread or not. In the case of localized cancer, Prostatectomy can be done. During this process, the prostate gland is surgically removed so as to prevent spreading of the malignant cells to other body parts. After this procedure, a patient undergoes radiotherapy to ensure that any remaining malignant cells in the surrounding tissues die.

A treatment method that has widely gaining popularity today is the high intensity focused ultrasound. This method however is effective for treatment during the early stages when the cancerous cells are still localized. Unlike radiotherapy and chemotherapy, this method of dealing with the disease does not have adverse side effects. Also, one does not need to be hospitalized for days as they receive treatment.

Another treatment option available is cryotherapy. During this procedure, the prostate is frozen and later thawed so as to kill the cancerous cells. Also, hormone therapy is used to reduce the growth rate of the cancerous cells. It is important that to note that this method is only temporary and is used to prolong the life of a patient who is at the advanced stages of the disease.




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