There are several treatment methods doctors use to treat patients with prostate cancer. There is no single treatment for prostate cancer that is 100% effective for every patient. The most effective treatment for your specific type of prostate cancer depends on various factors and will almost always require a combination of treatment methods. A combination of treatment methods is necessary to not only treat the cancer but to also reduce unpleasant symptoms and preserve prostate function.
The type of treatment method you need will largely depend on how far the disease has progressed, your overall health, and other medical conditions you may have. Some types of prostate cancer are slow-growing, while others are aggressive. This will also influence the type of treatment you need to effectively treat prostate cancer.
Below are some of the most effective treatments for prostate cancer.
Radiation for Prostate Cancer
Radiation treatment is usually recommended for patients with low-grade prostate cancer or prostate cancer that is localized. Radiation is used to target the cancer cells in the prostate to destroy them. It involves sending radiation beams to the specific location where the cancer cells exist. Direct radiation to any cells kills them, therefore, it’s crucial that radiation be administered with precision so only cancer cells are targeted.
Surgery for Prostate Cancer
Surgery or a radical prostatectomy is recommended for patients who have a tumor in the prostate. It involves the removal of the prostate gland and tissues and vesicles around it. Surgery for prostate cancer can be done in a minimally-invasive and robot-assisted manner, which means the incision is smaller, the procedure is quicker, and patients experience less pain and have a shorter recovery time. Surgery is highly effective in the removal of localized cancer cells, however, if the cancer cells have spread beyond the prostate, surgery will not be effective in eliminating those cells and you will likely need additional treatment.
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Another effective treatment prostate cancer is chemotherapy. This treatment is typically for patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer or cancer that has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body. The treatment involves taking medications such as Docetaxel or Cabazitaxel orally or intravenously. The treatment helps kill cancer cells throughout the body, which makes it effective for patients whose cancer is no longer localized.
Prostate Cancer Treatment in Phoenix, Arizona
Ironwood Urology of Phoenix, Arizona is dedicated to helping patients maintain good prostate health. We conduct prostate cancer screenings to diagnose prostate cancer early on – even before you start experiencing symptoms.
The earlier we detect prostate cancer, the better the outcomes of treatment. To screen for prostate cancer, we use highly-advanced tools in our office that allow us to perform an MRI fusion-guided biopsy of the prostate.
We understand how difficult it can be to confront prostate health issues. This is why we take a gentle, empathetic approach with our patients and use our skills, training, and experience to ensure successful outcomes.
If you have any questions about the prostate and men’s health services we provide or would like to make an appointment, call Ironwood Urology at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment now.
