Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland. It generally affects older men, and you may be more likely to develop prostate cancer if another man in your family has had it. Fortunately, if prostate cancer is caught early, there is a good chance you can recover with the proper treatment. Here are three procedures typically prescribed for men diagnosed with this type of cancer:
1. Observation
Prostate cancer isn't a cancer that typically grows quickly. It can stay the same size for years without metastasizing in some cases. Depending on your overall health, your doctor may decide that conservative treatment is best. They may opt to simply monitor your prostate at regular intervals to make sure the cancer has not changed or spread. If you aren't suffering adverse effects, opting for observation and waiting can allow you to enjoy your life without the side effects that can come from other cancer treatments.
2. Surgery
When prostate cancer is localized in your prostate gland, surgery is often enough to remove it. You will be put to sleep for the procedure, and your doctor will make an incision in your stomach to reach your prostate gland. They will remove the cancerous tumor, and you should feel better after your body heals in several weeks. This surgery shouldn't affect your sexual function, and many men report no lasting side effects once they've fully recovered.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can kill cancer cells in certain patients. In other patients, it will at least halt or slow the spread of metastasizing cancer. During radiation therapy, your doctor will direct a beam of radiation at the afflicted part of your body. The procedure does not involve an incision, and you won't need to be given anesthesia. You may need multiple courses of radiation therapy, but your doctor will make the decision. Radiation therapy can come with certain side effects, such as irritated bowels, difficulty urinating, or fatigue. These side effects are temporary, and your doctor will weigh the severity of your side effects with the efficacy of the treatment.
These are all possible treatments you may be given to fight your prostate cancer. Of course, the final decision is up to your doctor. A prostate cancer doctor will be able to evaluate you and recommend the procedures that give you the best chance of recovery. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have. It's best that you understand your treatment so you can have peace of mind.