Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Prostate cancer is actually a treatable form of cancer. Many patients diagnosed with prostate cancer overcome their cancer trial because of two things: the premature detection of the cancer cells in the prostate and the combining of the treatments that are utilized.

The early detection of prostate cancer is significant because it is in the young stages that the cancer cells are still controllable. They are still low in number and the harm they have caused is still minimal. Performing surgery and chemotherapy may still promise absolute removal of the cells. On the other hand, if the cancer is perceived on its progressive stage, recovery is slimmer. Hence, there is a need to administer more effective prostate cancer treatment options.

There are various advanced prostate cancer treatment options that a patient can use. These treatments may be more like to the ones administered to prostate cancer in its young stages. Nonetheless with advanced prostate cancer, there is a necessity to add two or more treatments in order to battle the cancer cells aggressively and more effectively. This is also to prevent metastasizing of the cancer cells and affecting additional surrounding parts.

The treatments recommended for advanced prostate cancer are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and catecholamine therapy. While these treatments all impact to eliminate cancer cells, preclude its dispersion and are actually treatments exclusive of each other, advanced prostate cancer treatment options are combination of these methods. The combinations are acknowledged to be more aggressive and more effective as well.

Before trying these treatments available, it is recommended to consult the doctor first. The doctor faculty provide a complete evaluation on the healthiness of the patient as well as the stage the cancer is already in. He may advise doing comprehensive procedures or take various medications both for the extermination of the cancer cells as well as the additional symptoms that come with the cancer.

About Author:

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

How Your Weight Affects Your Prostate Cancer Treatment

Every case of prostate cancer is different; hence each one has to be evaluated on its individual merits. Your general health, weight, age and motivation all need to be taken into account when choosing a form of prostate cancer treatment. If you are overweight, know that this factor alone can affect how your prostate cancer treatment is going to be like. Occasionally prostate cancer treatments will not have a big enough effect on some men, especially obese men. External radiation therapy uses a beam of subatomic particles to kill the cancerous cells in the prostate gland . However, if you are overweight, the beam is unable to penetrate through the extra layers of fat. This renders the prostate cancer treatment ineffective. In cases such as this, a more radical form of treatment is usually recommended. Being obese may initially help to cause prostate cancer and then it may help the cancer to spread more rapidly and more aggressively as well. Fatty diets that contain high levels of saturated fats and dairy products are thought to contribute to the probability of developing prostate cancer in the first place and remaining overweight may enhance the spread of the disease. Thus, even if the prostate gland is removed as part of your prostate cancer treatment the cancer might have already spread making it harder to control and totally rid from the body. In fact, men who are obese are 70% more likely to develop metastases i.e. secondary tumours at other sites around the body, than men who are fit and a healthy weight. This would suggest that the incidence of prostate cancer is somewhat linked to diet and that being obese may mean you require surgery as a form of prostate cancer treatment. For this reason every man over the age of 25 should make an effort to maintain a healthy weight and eat foods that are low in saturated fats and dairy products, even if it is just as a precaution against the possibility of surgery as a future prostate cancer treatment! A balanced diet with plenty of antioxidants such as lycopenes, which are found in tomatoes, watermelon and other types of fruit could seriously help to combat the first signs of prostate cancer meaning that any cancerous cells are killed before they have chance to divide and grow. Fibre is also a requirement of a healthy diet and as it helps to encourage frequent bowel movements it also rids the body of potentially harmful toxins and bacteria. If you are of a healthy weight, it is possible that you will be taking a course of radiation as a prostate cancer treatment rather than invasive surgery followed by a course of radiation. Do your sums and you will realise that being of a healthy weight has a far more advantages.

About Author: Your prostate health is important for cancer prevention. For more information, resources and support, please click http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub.com.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Prostate Cancer Treatment: What You Need To Find Out

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is a big shock for anyone however you should not immediately write your life off as there are a number of very successful prostate cancer treatments now available. You will need to meet with your oncologist to fully discuss your options and to decide which type of treatment is best for you. This will depend to some extent on the progression of your cancer as some types of prostate cancer treatments are not suitable for late stage and terminal cases. Your decision will also need to take into account which side effects you can cope with as some men find that impotence and urinary incontinence cause more distress than the actual cancer. Your individual circumstances will also have an effect on the treatment you receive. Age, overall health, other medical problems and the amount of emotional support you have at home and at work all need to be taken in to consideration. Your oncologist will be able to weigh up the details and decide on the best course of treatment; however, if you find yourself disagreeing with anything they suggest you must say so as only you know how you feel and how you will cope with the recommended prostate cancer treatment. One of the biggest things to consider when choosing a form of prostate cancer treatment is what you want to achieve. Many men simply want to be rid of the disease and do not have a problem with the possibility of long-lasting side effects such as incontinence however younger individuals often decide that they would rather choose an alternative option with a lower success rate but less severe side effects. This decision is ultimately down to you and your preferences for the future should also be discussed with your oncologist before making any decisions. Your age will also play a large part in which prostate cancer treatment you choose. Elderly men i.e. 70+ often decide to do nothing with regards to treatment as prostate cancer is in many cases a very slow growing disease and so the symptoms may not be felt during a lifetime. Alternatively you may wish to look into the possibility of hormone therapy which slows down the diseases progression but does not actually do anything to treat it, and there are no embarrassing side effects attached. If you have not yet reached your 70th birthday or you have and are still young at heart then other prostate cancer treatments need to be considered. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the commonly used treatments and any combination of the three can be incorporated into a regime to suit you. Ultimately however the decision is down to you. Talk to your family and your oncologist and consider your options carefully. Every case is different and needs to be treated on an individual basis so decide what it is you want to achieve and go from there.

About Author: There are several factors to deciding on your prostate cancer treatment . Please visit http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub.com for more information and resources.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options: Selecting What Is Best

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer nowadays is by no means a death sentence however it is imperative that you get treatment without delay. There are a number of prostate cancer treatment options available and the best one for you will depend on your individual case. You need to speak with your oncologist and decide what you want to achieve from your prostate cancer treatment so that the right course of treatment can be selected for you. This can initially be quite difficult to do, especially when you are first diagnosed and in a state of shock however your oncologist will be able to answer any questions you may have and will be able to give you very beneficial advice. You might want to consider taking a family member with you to your consultation so that they can ask any questions that you might forget because of the stress associated with the situation. Ask your oncologist if he/she has any leaflets about the various prostate cancer treatments because as you go back over your conversation at a later date you will undoubtedly forget important aspects that require consideration. Also ask your oncologist to explain the different prostate cancer treatment options to you in easy terms. Medical jargon can be overwhelming and confusing to a stressed mind so try to make things as easy as possible. Simply put there are three major forms of prostate cancer treatment; surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Hormone therapy is also often used as a complimentary therapy and any combination of the three main treatments can be used together or in conjunction with hormone therapy. The type of prostate cancer treatment that you receive will depend to a large extent on the cancer itself and how far it has progressed. When the initial cancer spreads to the surrounding tissues and then to other sites in the body, the type of prostate cancer treatment used will become more palliative than curative i.e. the treatment will slow down the growth of the cancer and help control the side effects rather than actually curing the disease. In addition factors such as your age, general health and what you want to achieve from the treatment will also be taken into consideration. The elderly may suffer from surgery much more than they would suffer with prostate cancer and so they may choose to do nothing except slow down the growth and spread of the disease. Younger men however may want to get rid of the cancer entirely and so opt for surgery and then probably radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancerous cells. There are a lot of things to consider when you choose your form of prostate cancer treatment and the decision should not be rushed. Prostate cancer is one of the slow growing cancers and so a few weeks of deliberation will, in most cases, have no major effect on the size of your cancer or the symptoms experienced. Take your time and weigh up all the options before deciding to do anything; after all, you cannot turn the clock back and decide again.

About Author: There are several factors to deciding on your prostate cancer treatment . Please visit http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub.com for more information and resources.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Prostate cancer all begins in the male reproductive organ answerable in the secretion of fluids indispensable to make reproduction attainable. It is in the prostategland that the cancerous cells begin to form. In the event that it has formed a growth, it makes it tough for the prostate to perform its purpose. Since only men have the prostate gland, they are the only ones affected with this type of cancer

Just like all types of cancer, there are a lot of prostatecancer treatment options that a patient can look into. Here are some:

Surgery

This is likely the most popular of all cancer treatments. Surgery is also practical in prostatecancer. In this procedure, the cancer has already produced a tumor and through surgery, the growth is removed in order to prevent it from progressing in size and spreading to close parts. In later cases, the whole prostate is actually separated.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is another treatment that can be used to prostate cancer. This includes the exposure of the region of the prostate organ to radiation in order to cease it from spreading. This procedure can be done either externally where the region is unclothed to Radiation or internally where Radiation seeds are placed.

Hormone Therapy

The use of hormones is also advised as treatment in prostate cancer. Supported by study, the male hormone known as testosterone has been a factor in accelerating the development of the growth. Hormone therapy takes effect by decreasing the production of this hormone in order to hinder the progress of the prostate cancer

These prostate cancer treatment options are administered to the patient depending on the condition. It can be utilized alone or in combinations. It is best to consult the doctor and do an complete evaluation before taking such treatments. This will ascertain which method will be most effective.

About Author:

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

HIFU Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Because of the numerous benefits of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as a prostate cancer treatment option, many patients are wondering how they can get the treatment. As of February 2010, the FDA is still investigating HIFU as a prostate cancer treatment, and several HIFU delivery devices are in clinical trials stages. Those who wish to benefit from HIFU now will need to be creative to find a treatment option.

What Is HIFU?

HIFU is a medical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to destroy tissue that is otherwise hard to reach, such as the tissue in the prostate gland. When used to treat prostate cancer, HIFU destroys the entire prostate gland by heating and ablating the tissue using ultrasound waves. This highly effective treatment limits the risk of side effects form other prostate cancer treatment options, making it ideal for those who wish to preserve their current quality of life while dealing with the threat caused by localized prostate cancer.

Do I Qualify?

The first step in getting HIFU treatment for your prostate cancer is determining if you qualify for treatment. Find a urologist who is familiar with HIFU and works with clinical trials or international treatment facilities to discuss your case. You will need to tell the doctor your recent PSA, Gleason score, the size and volume of your prostate and any treatments you have already tried. Other factors will be considered as well, including the patient's age, overall health, and the location of the prostate tumors.

Finding Treatment

Currently, there are two ways to get HIFU treatment. The first is to find an open clinical trial in your area. To do this, find a doctor who is working with the clinical trials, and ask whether or not you qualify to participate. If you do, you can get HIFU treatment for your prostate cancer without leaving the United States.

The other option is to travel to a HIFU treatment clinic outside of the US. Some of the best urologists in the country regularly travel to these clinics to perform HIFU. The treatment centers will help patients find lodging to use before and after treatment. Since treatment with HIFU is an outpatient procedure, most patients are able to travel to the treatment center, receive the treatment, and return home in just a few days. Follow up with a urologists in the states is recommended after HIFU treatment.

Recovery: What to Expect

Compared to other prostate cancer treatment options, recovery after HIFU is minimal. HIFU patients can expect to wear a catheter to allow the bladder to completely drain while the body heals. Patients will need the catheter for between one and four weeks, which means it will need to be removed during follow up with a urologist in the patient's local area. Most patients are able to move normally within a few hours of treatment. Mild discomfort is common, but no severe pain. Any discomfort felt is typically treated using painkillers. Some uncomfortable urinary symptoms, like frequency, urgency, or urinary discomfort, are common, but these are temporary and will resolve themselves within a few days of treatment.

About Author: Dr. Bert Vorstman MD MS FAAP FRACS FACS is a leader and expert in minimally invasive outpatient treatment options for localized prostate cancer HIFU. He is a former NIH sponsored researcher and former faculty member of the University of Miami department of urology.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Orchietomy For Prostate Cancer Treatment

Orchietomy is a radical prostate cancer treatment in which the testicles are completely removed. This is done because most cases of prostate cancer develop and progress because of the presence of male sex hormones, or more specifically testosterone and this hormone is produced by the testes. This type of prostate cancer treatment is a form of hormone therapy which works by manipulating the hormone levels in the body so that the cancerous cells stop growing and dividing. While this therapy is known to have a positive effect on the cancer you must realise that the operation is non-reversible and the chances of your sex life being affected are virtually 100%. Men who have undergone this form of prostate cancer treatment often report that their libido decreases and so does their desire to have sex. Unfortunately even when they do have the desire for sexual intercourse they may find themselves to be impotent and this can lead to psychological problems in the long term. These side affects of orchietomy are very common and you should take them in to account and discuss them with your partner before you decide to undergo this form of prostate cancer treatment. Other side effects of this radical prostate cancer treatment are associated with the unbalancing of the male and female hormone levels within the body. By removing the testicles the concentration of testosterone in your body will be reduced by around 90% however the concentration of oestrogen, the female hormone will remain the same. This means that on occasion breast tenderness, growth of the breast tissue and osteoporosis can develop. Other side effects include anaemia, weight gain, and depression and fatigue however your oncologist will be able to explain each of the side effects in much more detail. Before deciding for or against this form of prostate cancer treatment you need to decide what exactly you want to get out of the treatment. If you want to eliminate the cancer from your body then an orchietomy is a possibility however there are other ways to remove the cancer totally and these alternative treatments have fewer and less severe side effects. If however you are 60+ and do not want to have surgery then this procedure is not for you and radiation therapy can be used to simply control the growth of the cancer. Similarly if you are still relatively young and do not want to be plagued with impotence and lack of sex drive then, again, an orchietomy is probably not the prostate cancer treatment for you. Because impotence is a major side effect of this radical prostate cancer treatment you should think long and hard before agreeing to anything. Talk to your partner and your oncologist and look into the alternative forms of treatment. There may be a better one for you that only has temporary side effects so that after a few weeks or months you can once again enjoy a full sex life.

About Author: Your prostate health is important for cancer prevention. For more information, resources and support, please click http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub.com.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Prostate Cancer - What Every Man Needs to Know

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Cancer of the prostrateis one of the most common types of diseases in men, and is often found in elder men and the risk contracting it increases with age. It occurs mostly among the male population of 50 years and above. In PC, cancerous cells are primary formed in the prostate that then gets transferred to other cells through the process of metastasisand then spreads to other parts of your body like bones.

Causes

Scientists still do not know the exact cause behind PC. No one knows why some people suffer with prostate cancer while others do not. Clinical researchers and scientists are working hard to find the answer of this basic question. However they are optimistic to come out with a causes report very soon.

Symptoms:

There are no definite symptoms that can be easily noticed by the patients. Cancer of the prostate does not show any onerous symptom or sign at the initial stage.

These specific prostate cancer symptoms are given below:

1) Frequent urination.

2) An interrupted or weak urine flow.

3) Trouble while urination.

4) Sensation of pain while ejaculation.

5) Inability to urinate.

6) Burning sensation or pain during urination.

7) Blood in the urine or in the semen.

8) Stiffness or frequent pain in the upper thighs, lower back or hips.

These symptoms are however, not specific for this type of disease. Therefore if you experience any of these symptoms, don't panic- just consult a doctor.

Prostate cancer treatment: Treatment depends upon factors such as the location of the tumor, general health condition of the patient, age of the patient and size of the tumor. This can be treated with help of following treatment methods.

1) Surgical castration by orchidectomy: the cheapest and simplest treatment is orchidectomy. The only disadvantage is a psychological effect of the loss of testicles.

2) PC can be treated with the help of oestrogen hormone and LHRH-analogues. This is a "medical castration." This treatment is very expensive. Oestrogen can be taken orally but oestrogenrtreatment can give rise to thrombotic complications.

3) Hormone therapy can also be used as a cure.

4) The chemical found in black pepper, which causes the tongue to burn, sweat to pour out and eyes to water commonly called as capsaicin is thought to be helpful in prostate cancer cure. US researchers have found that capsaicin can cause human cancer cells to kill themselves.

5) Radiotherapy can also be used for a cure. Radiotherapy just destroys cancerous cells by radiation. The method is absolutely painless. But treatment of prostate cancer with the help of radiotherapy can cause some side effects like impotence and diarrhea.

6) Brachytherapy can also be applied to cure prostate cancer. Here radioactive elements inhibit the growth of prostate cancerous cells.

Tyson J Stevenson writes on a wide variety of health related subjects, most often with valuable news & reviews. Expect to see his name often. A couple of his websites:

http://www.tinnituscurehere.com. and

http://www.trimupslimdown.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyson_J_Stevenson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Prostate-Cancer---What-Every-Man-Needs-to-Know&id=176632

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting men over the age of 75. Although it is rarely found in men younger than 40, African American men are likely to develop this type of cancer at any age. Besides men of African American descent, people exposed to Agent Orange and cadmium, farmers, painters, tire plant workers, and people subject to alcohol abuse are more at risk. Treatment for prostate cancer is varied and can range from surgery, radiation, therapy and even hormonal therapy. It also depends on the age of the patients; in patients with advanced age sometimes monitoring the cancer with PSA tests and biopsies may be the only option. Here are a few things that you ought to know about the treatment:

- Latest studies have revealed that those undergoing intermittent treatment or taking periodic breaks could risk shortening their lives. Continuous therapy is of vital importance to patients suffering from metastatic prostate cancer. This latest study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology is absolutely against conventional belief, and its acceptance is likely to be widely debated.

- Another study found that the use of the drug Zytiga (produced by Johnson& Johnson) when used earlier in the course of treatment increases the chances of the patient living longer. This pill is often administered by physicians as the last alternative.

- Hormonal therapy is currently the most popular treatment available and an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 men use it. Side effects of this therapy include loss of libido, hot flashes, weight gain, etc. it is to control these side effects that physicians offer intermittent treatments. The study also found that people undergoing intermittent therapy had a median survival of 5.2 years, while those undergoing continuous treatment had a survival rate of 5.8 years.

- To treat or not to treat early prostate cancer seems to be a major question among physicians because surgery and radiation may cause long term impotence or other risks. Doctors often argue about the importance of such a measure to treat a very small and slow growth that may never cause any symptoms. They suggest constant monitoring. But on the other hand some argue that early treatment could kill tumors that are likely to be aggressive thereby increasing the chances of a person's survival.

- As earlier said, age is the most crucial factor. Surgery for men below the age of 65 extends their chances of survival, but for men above the age of 65, surgery causes least impact.

Remember that prostate cancer treatment problems are too complex and confusing to be sorted out in a simple article. It is important that you speak to your physician and discuss about what is best for you.

The Author of this article discusses about common types of cancer including their treatment. To know more visit, http://www.kcurology.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Jameson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Treatment-for-Prostate-Cancer&id=7183438

Best Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Of the prostate cancer treatments available, your doctor will recommend the treatment option that is best for you. The decision will depend on your overall health and how far advanced your cancer is. If the treatment recommended for you is not something you're comfortable with, for instance you may not be comfortable with external beam radiation therapy; you can give your doctor your opinion. It's important that you are at ease with the decision. Discuss it with your family as well, particularly the possible side effects and cure rate.

Oncologists specialize in certain fields. The one you are referred to will be a specialist in the treatment prescribed for you.

Watching and Waiting

The first strategy in most treatment plans is watching and waiting. The signs and symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer are also indications of other problems such as an infection in or close to your prostate. Watching and waiting is to determine which condition your symptoms are from.

During this period, blood samples will be tested for PSA levels and tissue samples may be sent for a biopsy.Elevated levels of the prostate specific antigen may point to a less serious medical problem. This is why a tissue sample may be taken; to verify or to rule out the presence of cancer. Remember that early treatment usually has a better possibility of cure.

Surgery

Men who are the best candidates for prostate cancer surgery are the ones most likely to achieve a successful recovery from the procedure. These are men with good overall health and who do not have secondary conditions that may interfere with recovery like heart problems. Surgery can lead to some serious side effects including incontinence and impotence.

Radiation

There are 3 different types of radiation therapies. External beam therapy is typically a stream of X-rays aimed at your pelvis from a device outside the body. The X-rays burn away cancer cells through repeated treatments over several weeks.

An alternative external beam therapy is Proton Beam Therapy. Instead of using X-rays, protons, which are charged particles or ions, are streamed at your pelvis, again from a device outside your body.

Brachytherapy is the introduction of several radioactive seeds directly into your prostate. They are implanted with a series of injections while you are under a general anesthetic.

All of the radiation treatments above work on the principle of burning cancer cells away with high energy particles. Radiation treatment can take place over time, and is subject to the same side effects as surgery.

Hormone Therapies

Hormone therapy is a method of chemical treatment that seeks to alter your hormone levels to halt or slow the growth of cancer cells. This procedure is temporary because most patients develop a resistance to the effectiveness of the injections after about 2 years.

Hormone therapy is not a cure and is usually recommended when the patient has a higher stage (T-3 or T-4) of prostate cancer. The idea is to prolong the patient's life and slow the cancer's growth.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a procedure where, during surgery, your prostate is frozen and then thawed to destroy cancer cells.

HIFU

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound uses focused ultrasound to heat and evaporate diseased tissue out of your prostate. The device is aimed using an MRI scan and targeted tissue is heated to 80°C. The result is tissue that can no longer reproduce and so cannot grow any further. Healthy tissue is spared because the effective area of the ultrasound pulse is very small and only a few cubic mm at a time can be targeted. It is done on an out-patient basis and does not affect the quality of life that some of the other treatments do. HIFU also results in fewer significant side effects than surgery or radiation. HIFU for prostate cancer is highly effective and can often be used for recurrent cancer. This is not an option, however, once the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

Find out with your doctor which is the best prostate cancer treatment for you.

Nancy Stonecutter is a nurse who writes about family and men's health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Stonecutter
http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Prostate-Cancer-Treatment&id=6998376