Treatment Methods for Prostate Cancer

Cancer is an overwhelming and scary illness. There are several types of cancers that affect men and women. A top form of cancer in men is that of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found below a man’s bladder right in front of the rectum area. Worldwide, 1 out of 9 men is affected by prostate cancer. According to Dr. Shalabh Agrawal, one of the best urologist in Gurgaon, prostate cancer is most common in men older than 65 years of age. However, it can affect males in any age group. With the progress of medical science, the treatment of prostate cancer is available and effective.

There are several treatment options for prostate cancer. The right treatment method depends upon the stage of cancer, age and overall health of the patient among other factors. Like any other cancer, prostate cancer can be treated more successfully if it is diagnosed at an early stage.

A multidisciplinary team is required for all-in-all treatment of prostate cancer. After diagnosis is complete, medical experts opt some approaches to further progress. These approaches are:

Watchful waiting: Sometimes prostate cancer does not require an extensive treatment at all. In cases where the symptoms are unlikely to worsen or the patient’s health does not allow treatments, watchful waiting is recommended by doctors. This line of approach is also opted when the cancer doesn’t affect a patient’s lifespan, for instance, in much older men.

Active Surviellince: Another outlook while choosing treatment is to offer active surveillance. In this approach, selective treatments are given. For example, the harmless cancer cells are not attended to while dangerous cancer cells are treated. This approach is altered depending upon the progress of cancer.

The following are the primary treatment options for prostate cancer. These methods are available at the Best Urology Hospital in Gurgaon.

Surgery – This method is also called Radical Prostatectomy. Through this process, doctors aim to remove the cancer cells from the body by surgically removing the entire prostate gland. If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland, further treatment may be required.

Radiotherapy – This treatment option makes use of radiation to destroy cancer cells in the prostate. In radiotherapy, the cancer cells and a small amount of healthy cells surrounding the prostate are exposed to radiation during several cycles. Side effects caused by this therapy are:

• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Loss of pubic hair
• Painul urination
• Inflammation of bladder lining

Brachytherapy – Brachytherapy is also a type of radiotherapy. In this method, the internal part of the prostate gland is subjected to radiations. Therefore, it is also popularly called interstitial radiotherapy.

Brachytherapy is offered in two ways:

• Low dose rate: A low dose rate brachytherapy is a surgical process. Doctors place small amounts of radioactive seeds inside the tumor to kill cancer cells.
• High dose rate: In high dose rate brachytherapy, doctors use thin needles to place the radiations inside the prostate.

Hormone therapy – In this treatment method, doctors use specific types of drugs to control the spread of cancer. With respect to prostate cancer, medicines that stop the production of testosterone are given. It is because testosterone is responsible for the further growth of prostate cancer cells.

Freezing prostate tissue or Cryotherapy – As the name suggests, this treatment method aims at freezing cancer cells. In this method, small needles (called cryoneedles) are inserted in the prostate gland. Post this, a very cold gas is placed in the needles. This chilly and cold gas makes the cancer cells to eventually freeze.

Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is the most basic cancer treatment option. Patients are provided with certain types of drugs to kill cancer cells and stop their growth. Best urology hospitals in Gurgaon such as CK Birla Hospital offer this treatment method.

Most often, a combination of different treatment types is provided to a patient. This treatment plan is decided upon by a team of doctors. You can consult with Dr. Shalabh Agrawal, one of the best urologist in Gurgaon, for more information and personalised guidance.