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Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. This gland produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The management of prostate cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences, so a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is fundamental. Several treatment paths are available, ranging from close monitoring to more definitive interventions. Here’s more information on the different treatment options for prostate cancer:
Active Surveillance
For certain slow-growing prostate cancers, immediate treatment may not be necessary. A physician might instead recommend active surveillance, which involves closely monitoring the cancer’s progression. This approach is often chosen for low-risk cancers to avoid or delay treatment-related side effects.
Diagnosis begins with a discussion of symptoms and a physical examination, which may include a digital rectal exam (DRE). A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood; elevated levels can indicate a prostate issue, including cancer. If these initial tests suggest a concern, further diagnostic tools like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to get a detailed view of the prostate. A prostate biopsy, where small tissue samples are removed for laboratory analysis, is the definitive way to confirm a diagnosis.
Surgical Options
Surgery is a common treatment for prostate cancer, particularly when the cancer is confined to the prostate gland. The primary surgical procedure is a prostatectomy. A prostatectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of the prostate gland. The most common type of prostate surgery is a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the entire prostate gland plus some surrounding tissue and seminal vesicles. This procedure aims to eliminate the cancer completely.
What Is a Robotic Radical Prostatectomy?
A robotic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique for cancer treatment. A surgeon operates using a sophisticated robotic system that provides a magnified, 3D high-definition view of the surgical area. The surgeon controls robotic arms that hold and manipulate miniaturized surgical instruments with enhanced precision and range of motion.
What Are Some Robotic Surgery Benefits?
Minimally invasive robotic surgery offers several potential benefits compared to traditional open surgery. Patients may experience less blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, and a shorter hospital stay. The precision of the robotic instruments can also help preserve delicate nerves surrounding the prostate, which are invaluable for urinary and erectile function, and recovery times are often faster.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells, and this treatment can be delivered externally or internally. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) directs radiation at the prostate gland from a machine outside the body. Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation, involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the prostate gland. Radiation can be used as a primary treatment or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Systemic Treatments
Systemic treatments use substances that travel through the bloodstream to reach and affect cancer cells throughout the body. These are often used for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. A well-known systemic treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which reduces levels of male hormones that fuel prostate cancer cell growth. Some other systemic options include:
- Chemotherapy: Which uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells.
- Immunotherapy: Which helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
- Target Therapy: Which focuses on specific weaknesses in cancer cells.
Schedule a Prostate Cancer Consultation
Understanding the available treatments for prostate cancer is the first step in making an informed decision for your own health. To learn more about your prostate health and your cancer risk, contact an oncology specialist for a consultation. A personalized treatment plan can be developed to address your specific diagnosis and health goals.
