Whether you are wondering if prostate cancer is curable, you are not alone. Fortunately, treatment options are becoming increasingly more advanced. Prostate cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers, mainly due to advances in early detection and treatment. The latest technology such as Pasadena CyberKnife offers stereotactic body radiation therapy to treat the cancer. The five-year survival rate for early-stage cancer is also very high.
Early detection is crucial when determining whether prostate cancer is curable. Prostate cancer is most curable in its early stages, when it can still be controlled through surgical methods. In fact, 90 percent of patients diagnosed in early stages are still alive five years or more after treatment. Treatment for this condition can include non-invasive radiation therapy. Pasadena CyberKnife radiosurgery can help men return to normal activities after treatment.
Treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on the stage and the type of the cancer. In general, the goal of treatment is to prolong life or delay symptoms. Often, a multidisciplinary team of specialists work together to provide the best possible care. These doctors include oncologists, radiation therapy specialists, pathologists, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, and physical therapists. Depending on the stage of the disease, a multidisciplinary team may prescribe various therapies to treat the disease and manage the symptoms.
Although advanced prostate cancer cannot be cured, there are treatments available to slow its progression, improve symptoms, and extend life. Bisphosphonates, which reduce the risk of bone loss, can be used to manage bone pain. Chemotherapy is commonly used for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to nearby organs. This therapy destroys cancer cells and inhibits their growth. It may also be used in combination with hormone therapy, which helps to keep prostate cancer under control and relieve symptoms.
Radiation therapy, including high-dose internal radiation, is another treatment for prostate cancer. The treatment uses radioactive seeds or pellets inserted into the prostate. These seeds give off radiation around the site of insertion. Low-dose seeds remain in the prostate for up to a year. High-dose brachytherapy leaves the seeds in the prostate for less than 30 minutes. This type of treatment may require multiple sessions. However, it is important to remember that all treatments aren’t a guarantee against cancer recurrence.
If you suspect that you have prostate cancer, the first thing you should do is consult with your doctor. Usually, an early stage is symptomless, but there are still signs that the cancer has spread. If you feel pain or difficulty urinating, it’s time to seek treatment. You should ask your doctor what treatment options are available to treat your disease and which will have the least side effects. You also want to learn as much as you can about your options and decide what’s best for you.
Treatment for advanced-stage prostate cancer may include surgery. During this procedure, a thin metal wire with a loop on the end is inserted into the urethra. This wire then releases high-frequency sound waves through the rectum wall, killing cancer cells by heating them. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthetic. In advanced stages, however, some side effects of radiotherapy may be permanent.
