Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
It can't be stressed enough, early detection is imperative in combating prostate cancer. The challenge is that in the early stages there are no symptoms of prostate cancer. By the time symptoms appear in the form of urinary complications, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
Treatment options vary depending upon several factors such as age, overall health of the patient and whether there is evidence of bladder, infection or kidney damage resulting from an enlarged prostate.
Faced with the enormity of your disease, when you add treatment options into the mix it can be overwhelming to say the least. This is why we recommend second opinion. We will take a look at some of those options here. Just remember, that the best option for you will be the one that you and your doctor determine is the best route for your situation. When it comes to treating prostate cancer there's no such thing as "one size fits all."
There are some questions that you will need to address before selecting any of the options your physician may recommend. Let's take a look at some of those now. These shouldn't be taken lightly, as you will be making decisions that will absolutely affect the rest of your life.
- Other than the prostate cancer, are you in good over all health?
- Is the cancer confined to the prostate?
- How fast is it growing?
- How old are you?
- Is it important for you to be able to maintain control of your bladder or bowel?
- Would you find it unsettling to live with cancer that is untreated and have to look at strict monitoring of the disease?
- Are you healthy enough for surgery?
Treatment options for cancer spread beyond the prostate.
In this situation the localized therapies just won't be enough to stop the growth. This is Stage III and radiation therapy will most likely help by keeping the tumor in check. Radiation combined with hormonal therapy will help to slow the growth.
Early Hormonal Therapy
Just as the name signifies, this is the practice of starting hormonal therapy immediately upon the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The goal is to slow the growth of cancer cells that have grown beyond the prostate and into surrounding tissue and even the lymph nodes. Sometimes early hormonal therapy helps in shrinking the tumor.
Conformal Radiation Therapy
Conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is a three dimensional computer software program. It allows radiation beams to conform and shape to fit the prostate thereby accurately targeting only the prostate gland thereby minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. No matter what avenue of treatment you select for managing prostate cancer, do your very best to maintain a positive attitude. Yes, the horizon may look a bit gloomy, but with modern medicine advancements are being made every day.
Your best defense is a strong offense. Get screened as soon as possible for early detection then have regular follow-ups especially if you are in an at risk group.
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