Prostate Cancer Treatments Made Easy
By Helen Hecker
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.
Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old.
One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all. Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. If you have one or more symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible.
There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.
Another test usually used when symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary. The conventional treatment of is often controversial.
If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy
can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.
Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor.
Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments.
If you do choose invasive conventional treatment, you can always change your diet and do non-invasive natural treatments too. As new research comes out adjust your treatment options accordingly. If you haven't been diagnosed but are concerned about symptoms you should call for an appointment to see your doctor; and if you're a man older than 50 who has never been screened for (by rectal exam and/or PSA level determination) or not had a regular annual exam, or have had a family history of prostate cancer, make an appointment soon.
For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments
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