Available 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 development of this disease is mostly attributed to exposure to radiation and bad lifestyle habits like the use of tobacco and alcohol. It is important to note that hereditary factors can contribute to increasing the chances of one developing this deadly disease. Many organizations today are focusing on creating worldwide awareness in a bid to get more people screened periodically.

One of the main challenges to the fight against this disease is lack of awareness. Most people never seek medical attention until when it is too late. It is therefore very important for people to have as much information as possible so as to enable early diagnosis.

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.

Advancement in technology has made it possible for people to be easily screened for this particular disease. People with such symptoms can undergo a physical exam to detect any inflammation in the prostate gland. Also, MRI machines and Trans rectal ultrasound equipment can be used to determine if one has this ailment.

When a patient is diagnosed with this disease at advanced stages, more strict measures should be taken as the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be used to kill the cancerous cells that have spread to other parts of the body. At this stage a patient needs close monitoring so as to also treat other problems that result from radiation.

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.

This method seeks to freeze cancerous cells and then thaw them. This often results in destruction of the malignant cells. In the event that the cancer has spread, a strict dose of radiation together with chemotherapy is used. At this point, the patient is carefully monitored so as to ensure all the spreading is contained. It is important to note that patients who reach such a point have minimal chances of survival.




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