Prostate cancer is one of the slowest growing cancers. There is no need to rush into treatment. If a man of 70 years of age is discovered to have an elevated PSA level through routine blood work, it is suggested to have repeat blood work done every few months to determine if the PSA level is changing. This form of treatment is called "watchful waiting".
In a younger man, it is more important to have the blood tested for the PSA levels. Should a cancer tumor be detected, and found to be growing, there are still several treatment options available.
Radiation therapy done in x-ray form is usually a course of 5 days a week for 7 weeks. There is no hospital stay and the patient can go about his daily activities as normal. Some patients show a tendency to be tired a lot, and may have some occasional urinary or rectal bleeding during the treatment period.
Radioactive seeds are done through injection. These seeds are implanted directly into the prostate gland for a high intensity of radiation to shrink the tumor. This procedure is usually done in a day-surgery with side effects similar to that of the regular radiation therapy.
Radical Prostatectomy is surgery performed to remove the prostate gland and any surrounding lymph nodes. The patient is usually in the hospital for 2-3 days, but the healing process may keep the patient out of work for 3-4 weeks.
Hormone therapy is done by monthly injections to lower the levels of testosterones and shrink the tumor. This treatment is usually done if the cancer is found to have already spread to other areas.
The most important thing to remember is that unless a tumor has been detected as being in an advanced stage, there is no need to panic. Take your time to investigate the options available, and decide which option is best for you. Always be sure to have your PSA blood work done regularly. Early detection is always best!
In a younger man, it is more important to have the blood tested for the PSA levels. Should a cancer tumor be detected, and found to be growing, there are still several treatment options available.
Radiation therapy done in x-ray form is usually a course of 5 days a week for 7 weeks. There is no hospital stay and the patient can go about his daily activities as normal. Some patients show a tendency to be tired a lot, and may have some occasional urinary or rectal bleeding during the treatment period.
Radioactive seeds are done through injection. These seeds are implanted directly into the prostate gland for a high intensity of radiation to shrink the tumor. This procedure is usually done in a day-surgery with side effects similar to that of the regular radiation therapy.
Radical Prostatectomy is surgery performed to remove the prostate gland and any surrounding lymph nodes. The patient is usually in the hospital for 2-3 days, but the healing process may keep the patient out of work for 3-4 weeks.
Hormone therapy is done by monthly injections to lower the levels of testosterones and shrink the tumor. This treatment is usually done if the cancer is found to have already spread to other areas.
The most important thing to remember is that unless a tumor has been detected as being in an advanced stage, there is no need to panic. Take your time to investigate the options available, and decide which option is best for you. Always be sure to have your PSA blood work done regularly. Early detection is always best!
