subject: Understanding Your Options For Prostate Cancer Treatment [print this page] If your doctor diagnoses you with prostate cancer, you're quite likely to feel a sense of fear and confusion caused not only from the diagnosis itself but not knowing your options. Most people have had little reason to research prostate cancer treatment until their lives are personally affected with their own or a loved one's diagnosis and then become lost in the abundant amount of information available. You will want to make the best decision possible about how to have it treated and that means having a good understanding of available options.
Prostate Cancer Basics
The prostate is actually a male reproductive gland which is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. Prostate cancer begins in the prostate but can spread to surrounding parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, and liver. Because of this danger, having regular screenings so any abnormalities can be detected is essential.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Regular screenings are key to early detection as prostate cancer often presents with no detectable symptoms in the early stages. Other symptoms include:
Frequent Urination
Difficulty Urinating
Painful Urination
Urine May Contain Blood
Persistent Bone Pain
Upper Thigh, Hip or Back Pain
Swelling in the Legs
Treatment Options
Due to technological limitations, those who were diagnosed with prostate cancer had very few options, the most commonly used of which was open prostatectomy which required major surgery. Today however, new advanced technologies afford patients a wide range of treatment options. Here are a few of the options your doctor might suggest:
Hormone Treatment to Block the Production of Testosterone in Order to Slow the Cancer's Growth Rate
Radiation Therapy to Kill Cancer Cells
Radioactive Seed Implants to Kill Cancer Cells
Open Prostatectomy to Remove the Prostate
Robotic Prostatectomy to Remove the Prostate
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Open prostatectomy, although being one of the most successful ways to defeat prostate cancer, requires large incisions into the abdomen and the abdominal wall and requires long recovery times while newer, less invasive robotic prostatectomy procedures are seeing widespread usage and lots of benefits. The procedure is done using advanced robotic technologies including micro-surgical instruments, high-resolution cameras, and 90-degrees of articulation, fully controlled by the surgeon. Other advantages provided by robotic surgical techniques include:
Better Cancer Elimination Rates
Smaller Incision
Less Infection
Little or No blood Loss
No Transfusions
Less Time Required for Procedure
Significantly Reduced Pain
Nerve-Sparing and Preserves Function
Quick Recovery
Rapid Urinary Control
Reduced Incontinence Issues
Fortunately, with improved technologies and increased options, those facing prostate cancer treatment have many reasons for hope and confidence. The technologies used to treat cancer today afford patients fewer side effects and greater cure rates.
by: Glinn Klienberg
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