Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men, grow abnormally and form tumors. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and its primary function is to produce the fluid that makes up semen. Below are 9 ways to treat prostate cancer.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, including:
- Age (Most cases are diagnosed in men over age 65)
- Family history of the disease
- Race (Black men are at higher risk)
- A diet high in fat
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- A sedentary lifestyle
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
In its early stages, prostate cancer often produces no symptoms. As the disease progresses, men may experience difficulty urinating, a weak or interrupted urinary stream, pain or burning during urination, and frequent urination, especially at night. Blood in the urine or semen, pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, and erectile dysfunction may also occur.
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
If a man experiences symptoms of prostate cancer, he should see a doctor immediately.
Most prostate cancer, however, is found during routine screening. Diagnosis usually begins with the doctor conducting a physical examination and a blood test known as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to determine the level of PSA in the blood. A high level of PSA can indicate prostate cancer, but it can also be a sign of other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation of the prostate.
If the PSA test is abnormal, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as a prostate biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the prostate for examination under a microscope.
Top 9 Ways to Treat Prostate Cancer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, seeking the appropriate treatment is crucial. To help you make informed decisions, we have compiled a list of the top nine ways to treat prostate cancer.
From surgical procedures to radiation therapy and medication, these treatments offer various options that can significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome.
1. Active surveillance
Active surveillance involves closely monitoring cancer through regular PSA tests, biopsies, and other exams to determine if, and when, treatment is necessary.
2. Surgery
A standard surgical procedure for prostate cancer is a radical prostatectomy, which removes the entire prostate gland, surrounding tissue, and some nearby lymph nodes.
3. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy can be delivered via an external beam or by placing radioactive seeds inside the prostate, a process known as brachytherapy. The treatment is typically administered daily over several weeks, with each session lasting a few minutes.
In some cases, radiation therapy may be combined with other forms of treatment, such as hormone therapy, to achieve better outcomes.
4. Hormonal therapy
Testosterone is a hormone that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is a treatment option that aims to lower testosterone levels in the body.
By lowering testosterone levels, hormonal therapy can slow down, or even halt, the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. This treatment may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
5. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that employs drugs to eliminate cancer cells. These drugs may be administered orally or directly into the bloodstream.
6. Cryotherapy
Another treatment option for prostate cancer involves freezing the prostate tissue to eradicate cancer cells. Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment and may be appropriate for patients with early-stage prostate cancer who cannot undergo surgery or radiation therapy.
7. High-intensity focused ultrasound
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an innovative treatment option and a less invasive alternative to traditional prostate cancer treatments. It employs high-energy sound waves that heat and destroy cancer cells.
8. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment option that aims to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer. One type of immunotherapy for prostate cancer is sipuleucel-T (Provenge), a treatment that enhances the immune system’s response.
9. Aquablation
This robotic procedure delivers high-velocity water jets to the prostate to remove cancerous tissue. The method uses real-time imaging and mapping to ensure precise targeting of the affected tissue, reducing the risk of side effects.
Schedule a Routine Prostate Exam
If you are a man over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer, take action to protect your health. Call 843-347-2450 to schedule an appointment today!