Surgical treatment for prostate cancer can either cure the disease or control its symptoms. Before undergoing any surgical procedure, discuss possible risks and side effects with your doctor. Some drugs used in the procedure can be dangerous. Your doctor will explain the risks involved. Discuss your options with him, and let him know of any other medical conditions. Chemotherapy is often paired with other treatments. While this type of treatment is not the mainstay of prostate cancer treatment, it is often the last resort.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will first determine the grade of the tumor. A Gleason score of three indicates a slow-growing tumor, while a score of five or more means the cancer is aggressive. In many cases, the Gleason score is an accurate indicator of the cancer’s prognosis, though experts differ in their use of this score. If your biopsy indicates a Gleason score of seven or higher, your cancer is categorized as intermediate/moderate-risk and lower-risk.
The doctor will also use imaging tests to determine the stage of prostate cancer. A CT scan (also known as a “CAT scan”) uses x-rays to make detailed pictures of your body. This test is used to find whether the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, as well as whether it has spread to nearby organs and bones. This test may also include a lymph node biopsy, which involves a small, bean-shaped part of your immune system. This procedure is often used to detect the spread of prostate cancer throughout the lymph nodes, which can help doctors decide the best course of treatment.
Although there are no clear preventative measures for prostate cancer, eating a healthy diet and regular physical exams may lower your risk. Regular PSA blood tests and physical exams are two of the best ways to detect the disease, and are essential for maintaining good health. However, no treatment can guarantee total elimination of the disease. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will recommend further tests and treatments. In the meantime, you should start exercising and ensuring that you stay active.
If surgery is not an option, then radiation therapy is another option. This can be combined with other treatments to kill tumors and slow down the cancer’s growth. Radiation therapy can also help reduce the symptoms associated with advanced disease. Additionally, chemotherapy drugs can be used to enhance the outcome of surgery and help relieve the symptoms. Various clinical trials are currently underway to determine which type of treatment is best for you. If you decide to go for a surgical treatment, remember to talk to your doctor before undergoing any surgery.
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease and your overall health. Partial or complete removal of the prostate is the most common treatment option, though surgical techniques can also be less invasive. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is a common procedure offered at Johns Hopkins. Active surveillance may also be an option for low-risk patients. The aim of treatment is to prolong life and reduce side effects.
