Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Prostate cancer is an unwelcome diagnosis, but thanks to medical science and technology, there are new treatments available for men of every age and health status. One of the latest is cryosurgery, a minimally invasive techniques that involves freezing the cancerous cells in and around the prostate gland.

However, one concern has been that, in some patients, cryosurgery results in nerve damage which can cause anything from a sensation of a full bladder (even after it has been emptied) to complete impotence. Still, the small amount of blood loss is often worth it to prostate cancer patients and their loved ones.

Another treatment is radiation, which is becoming more and more useful because equipment allows surgeons to better target the cancerous cells. Therefore, the radiation is directed at exactly the right spot, leaving behind little damage to the surrounding tissues. Of course, radiation isn’t for every male with prostate cancer; if the cancer has spread too far, radiation may not be effective or may only be useful in conjunction with other treatment methods.

Some patients opt for a complete removal of the prostate gland to stop the spread of cancer. This can cause hormonal and bladder/bowel problems, but may be an ideal choice for those who are concerned about prostate cancer “moving” to other body parts (especially those which are far away from the body.)

In addition to these three treatments, there are alternative therapy methods for dealing with prostate cancer, though they are often met with skepticism from the medical community. One such “natural” remedy is the macrobiotic diet, a very strict food plan that advocates declare can rid the body of cancer and other poisonous toxins. Though no studies have shown that this is a definitively effective way to cure or control prostate cancer, hundreds of patients flock to macrobiotic foods each year in an attempt to treat their cancers without surgery or hormone therapy.

Whatever treatment you choose, make sure you discuss it at length with your physician. And if you feel your doctor isn’t giving you the courtesy you need, never forget that you can always get a second opinion. If nothing else, it will help you decide the best prostrate cancer treatment. And you may hear about new cancer drug trials happening for which you could be a part.

This material was provided by prostatehealthnews.org