Treatment Options For Prostate Cancer

Those diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options available. Which option is pursued often depends on how far along the cancer has progressed. Not all treatments are appropriate at all stages of this disease.

Possible Signs of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, for the most part, strikes older men. In the U.S. about 1 in 5 men will receive a positive diagnosis of prostate cancer in their lifetime. It is important to recognize possible signs of prostate cancer and to talk to your doctor as soon as possible for an early diagnosis.

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The following symptoms may be caused by prostate cancer but could also be signs of an enlarged prostate or other health issues. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor.

  • Blood in urine or semen

  • Difficulty emptying bladder completely

  • Dizziness

  • Fast heartbeat

  • Feeling very tired

  • Frequent urination (mainly at     night)

  • Pain or burning when urinating

  • Pale skin as the result of anemia

  • Persistent pain in back, hips, or pelvis

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sudden urge to urinate

  • Trouble starting urine flow

  • Weak or interrupted urine flow

Understanding Prostate Cancer Therapies

Prostate cancer therapies approach treatment based on the existing cancer.

Surgery: Radical prostatectomy surgery is a common treatment that attempts to cure prostate cancer, if it is thought not to have spread outside the gland (stage T1 or T2 cancers). This procedure removes the entire prostate gland along with a portion of tissue around it, including the seminal vesicles. If the PSA level, DRE, and biopsy results suggest the cancer may have spread, the surgeon may also remove lymph nodes from around the prostate. Urinary incontinence is a possible side effect of the surgery and impotence (unable to have erection) could result.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. When used as an initial treatment for low-grade cancer the radiation is confined within the prostate gland. Cure rates for these types of cancers are about the same as getting a radical prostatectomy. Radiation is also used as part of the initial treatment for cancers that have spread outside the prostate gland into neighboring tissues, or if cancer returns following surgery. It may also be used to minimize the size of a tumor and provide relief from symptoms of advanced cancer.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or androgen suppression therapy is hormone therapy. Androgens come from the testicles and stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Lowering androgen levels often shrinks prostate cancer or slows growth. This is done through drugs like ZYTIGA which is a prescription medicine used in conjunction with prednisone when prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body. When you Buy Canadian Zytiga it works to lower testosterone or other androgens. Other drugs block the action of these hormones.

Immunotherapy

Immune based treatments use your own immune system for fighting prostate cancer. This is accomplished by giving your immune system components like man-made immune system proteins. Researchers continue to learn about the immune system, and newer treatments are being tested with a goal to offer better options for people fighting cancer in the future.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is sometimes used when prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland and hormone therapy isn’t effective. Chemotherapy is not the standard treatment to fight prostate cancer in the early stages, however some studies suggest it may be helpful when administered for a short time following surgery.

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Initial treatment for prostate cancer consists of all these options. They may be used individually or in combination. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects and how long they will last. In some instances they may last for a few weeks or months, but in others they can be with you for the rest of your life.