Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers that affect men. A cancer that occurs in the prostate, the small seminal fluid producing gland, prostate cancer can vary in terms of severity. While some prostate cancers may require minimal treatment and grow slowly, others may grow very quickly and require aggressive treatment to prevent spreading.
Despite being common and sometimes aggressive, prostate cancer is treatable, and early detection can help prevent spreading to the rest of the body. Here are several treatment options available to patients with prostate cancer:
Some forms of prostate cancer may not be treatable with medicine or radiation alone and will require full removal of the prostate gland. This process is known as radical prostatectomy, in which a surgery is performed to remove the prostate gland as well as surrounding lymph nodes and affected tissue. Prostate cancer surgery can be performed by a surgeon or by a surgeon-operated robot. Traditionally a minimally invasive surgery, this procedure can fully remove the cancerous area, preventing the further spread of cancer.
Prostate cancer cells feed off of testosterone, the male hormone naturally produced in the body. Hormone therapy inhibits the testosterone from making contact with the prostate cancer cells, either starving them out or radically reducing the rate at which they reproduce.
There are several types of hormone therapy for suppressing testosterone, such as the use of medications (i.e. Zoladex) that prevent the testicles from producing testosterone. Medication like Casodex does not stop the creation of testosterone but instead blocks the testosterone from making contact with prostate cancer cells. In some cases, hormone therapy may include the removal of the testicles to prevent the further production of testosterone.
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-powered concentrated energy to kill prostate cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be administered using an external radiation therapy beam, or by having radiation seeds placed within the prostate tissue. External beam radiation requires frequent sessions over the course of several weeks. During each session, patients lie still on a table while having radiation administered in much the same way an x-ray would be done.
Implanting radiation seeds, also known as brachytherapy, involves having minuscule radioactive seeds inserted into the prostate using a long needle. These seeds release a concentrated dose of radiation, enough to eradicate cancer cells. Since the radioactive seeds will eventually stop releasing radiation, they do not need to be removed after treatment.
More aggressive/rapidly growing prostate cancer may require chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. Patients requiring chemotherapy to treat their prostate cancer often experience a spread of cancer from the prostate into other areas of the body. Chemotherapy is either administered in liquid form through a vein in the arm or orally as a pill.
Cryosurgery treatment involves freezing prostate tissue in order to kill prostate cancer cells. Administered through a needle, cold gas is applied to the affected tissues. Next, a second gas is used to reheat the tissue. By freezing and thawing the affected prostate tissue, the prostate cancer cells are killed. Cryosurgery is a less common option for treating prostate cancer but may be particularly effective in patients who have not responded to radiation therapy.
Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Meeting with an oncologist for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether the appointment is for a new diagnosis, a second opinion, or follow-up care, knowing what to ask can provide greater clarity and peace of mind. An informed patient is often better prepared to participate in the treatment process and make educated decisions about…
A diagnosis of a blood-related condition can feel overwhelming. However, learning more about hematologic disease treatment can help bring a sense of clarity and control. These diseases affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, and treatment often depends on the specific type and its progression. Understanding what to expect during care can help make…
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment is a comprehensive process involving multiple phases to achieve remission and prevent relapses. Each phase of treatment plays a critical role in eliminating leukemia cells, restoring normal blood cell production, and providing long-term management. Understanding…
Blood clot disorders include a spectrum of inherited or acquired conditions that disrupt healthy circulation, elevate the risk of blockage, and threaten vital organs. An oncologist frequently monitors patients for clotting complications because cancer, certain chemotherapies, and reduced mobility intensify thrombotic tendencies. Early recognition of warning signs, together with prompt intervention, significantly lowers the possibility…
A cancer diagnosis brings many challenges, but an open line of communication with an oncologist…
A diagnosis of a blood-related condition can feel overwhelming. However, learning more about hematologic disease…
Acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment is a multi-phase process designed to eliminate leukemia cells, achieve remission,…
Blood clot disorders demand heightened vigilance, particularly within oncology practice, where malignancy amplifies coagulation risk.
Lung cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, allowing for more personalized approaches that…
Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis process, and treatments for ovarian cancer helps patients take control of…