Medical Treatments for Prostate Cancer

There are many different medical treatments for prostate cancer that involve the clinical care of a healthcare professional. These treatments include expectant therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Expectant therapy is to carefully observe and monitor the prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer cells often spread very slowly, many older men who have the disease may not need more extensive treatment. However, expectant therapy usually includes routine physician examinations, including digital rectal exams and PSA tests. The different types of surgery for prostate cancer are radical prostatectomy - an open-surgery procedure in which the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue are removed. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - surgery to remove part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra. Cryosurgery - this procedure involves killing the cancer cells by freezing them with a small metal tool placed in the tumor. Side effects of prostate cancer surgery include incontinence and impotence. Incontinence is the inability to control urine and may result in dribbling of urine, especially immediately after surgery. Normal control usually returns within weeks or months after surgery. Impotence is the inability to achieve an erection. For a month, or so, after surgery, most men are not able to get an erection. Eventually, approximately 40 to 60 percent of men will be able to get an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, but without ejaculation of semen, since removal of the prostate gland prevents that process.

Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells, and to decrease their ability to divide. Radiation is often used to treat prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate gland, or has spread only to nearby tissue. If the disease is advanced, radiation may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and to provide relief from symptoms. Possible side effects of radiation for prostate cancer may include diarrhea, with or without blood in the stool, and colitis, problems associated with urination, a degree of impotence (inability to get an erection), which may occur within two years of radiation therapy.

The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones in the body, particularly testosterone. Hormone therapy does not cure the cancer, and is often used to treat persons whose cancer has spread or recurred after treatment. Produced mainly in the testicles, testosterone causes prostate cancer cells to grow. Thus, reduced testosterone levels can make the prostate cancer shrink and become less active. Most studies show that hormone therapy works better if it is started early. Chemotherapy is the use of powerful, anti-cancer medications to kill cancer cells.. Hospitalization may be needed to monitor treatment and chemotherapy's side effects. Common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting, hair loss, anemia, reduced ability of blood to clot, mouth sores, increased likelihood of developing infections, fatigue. Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped.

high psa prostate
PSA Test Result - High PSA Levels
What do your PSA test results mean? A high PSA level can indicate cancer, The PSA test is a blood test used to measure a substance called prostate

Prostate cancer - treatment, symptoms and causes
PSA is a chemical which is made by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. If you have an abnormally high level of PSA, prostate cancer is a possibility.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) - Prostate Cancer Research Foundation
Prostate cancer cells are more "leaky" than normal prostate cells so high levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer.

PSA: The Test
In some men, PSA may rise temporarily due to other prostate conditions, especially infection. A recent study found that in about half of men with a high PSA

PSA | Prostate Cancer Information | UPMC Cancer Centers
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an enzyme produced by the prostate gland. 10 -- are considered borderline, while levels over 10 are considered high.

Google Answers: Possible reasons for high PSA reading in relation
Most patients with prostate cancer have a free PSA below 15%. If your free PSA is below 7% the likelihood of prostrate cancer is high.

Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test? - MayoClinic.com
PSA screening allows the early detection of prostate cancer. Diet. A high-fat diet and obesity may increase your risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Biopsy Following High PSA Test, February 15, 2005
Men More Likely to Get Prostate Cancer Biopsy Following High PSA Test Result. According to research from the National Cancer Institute (NCI),

ACS :: High PSA Levels, but No Prostate Cancer: It's in the Genes
According to lead researcher Scott Cramer, PhD, knowing a man's genetic makeup may help him avoid a needless biopsy to look for prostate cancer. High PSA

ACS :: Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early?
Herbal mixtures that are sold as dietary supplements "for prostate health" may affect PSA levels. For example, they could mask a high PSA level.

High PSA Level? Check it Again
That's because PSA levels can fluctuate up and down -- so a man with a high PSA level may not actually have any prostate problems at all.


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