There are several types of treatment for prostate cancer. Most cancer treatments will use drugs that work to kill or slow the growth of the cancer cells. These drugs may be taken by mouth, or they can be injected into a vein or muscle. When given to patients, chemotherapy drugs move through the body, killing cancer cells and normal cells. Men with advanced cancer may also choose chemotherapy for treatment because it may help them feel better during the treatment process. Most side effects will disappear when the treatment is finished.
A biopsy performed on a prostate cancer patient will show the cancer’s grade. Pathologists use a grading system called Gleason grading to rate the cancer’s growth and spread. Smaller cells are graded lower than larger, more spread-out cancer cells. To determine the stage of cancer, the pathologist will examine a sample under a microscope. Once the biopsy has been performed, it will be analyzed for growth and spread.
Diet is a major part of treatment for prostate cancer. Specific nutrients are known to slow or stop the growth of the disease. The nutrition section of the guide contains general information about nutrients, results of medical research and recommendations for patients with prostate cancer. If you are concerned about your nutrition, you can consult a registered dietitian for advice. Additionally, exercise can improve your physical and emotional health, and it can help manage side effects of treatment.
Active surveillance involves closely monitoring a patient’s condition. It enables doctors to identify signs of worsening prostate cancer early. Patients under active surveillance undergo certain tests, such as PSA tests, transrectal ultrasound, and needle biopsy. If cancer is detected during a screening, patients are given treatments based on the results of these tests. These treatments are sometimes referred to as watch and wait, or expectant management. The best way to manage your prostate cancer is to find the right treatment plan.
While a digital rectal exam and PSA blood test can detect early signs of prostate cancer, prostate biopsy is the only way to be sure. The test will allow providers to get a sample of cancer cells. In order to do so, the doctor will place a thin probe in your rectum and use ultrasound to take a tissue sample. The biopsy will take about 10 to 20 minutes. Then, the biopsy sample is sent to a pathologist to examine the sample for cancer cells.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may vary in men. While early stages of the disease are accompanied by no symptoms, men may experience painful prostate glands. Some men also experience difficulty passing urine, have trouble starting urination, or have other problems with their prostate gland. It is important to note that a doctor can treat both of these conditions, and also diagnose any other symptoms that may be present.
