The stage of cancer is the most crucial factor in selecting the right treatment for it. Prostate cancer is no different in this regard. When detected early, there are more treatment options and a higher chance of getting better. Here are the important details of treating early-stage prostate cancer.
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What does early detection of prostate symptoms mean?
Early detection of prostate symptoms means that the disease is still at stage I or II. So, it has not spread beyond the prostate gland. Thus, the patient has many effective treatment options to consider at this point.
Consider the doctor’s advice while choosing a treatment for early-stage prostate cancer. There are possible benefits and side effects associated with each treatment type. Now, in the early stages, the treatment of prostate cancer can take one of the three routes:
- active surveillance
- radiation therapy
- surgery
Common treatment options for early-stage prostate cancer
Let’s take a closer look at these three treatment options for early-stage prostate cancer.
Active surveillance
Prostate cancer typically grows slowly. So, doctors might suggest not to get any treatment right away or even at all, particularly for older men or those with other serious health problems.
In some cases, the risk of getting the treatment is far more than its benefits. Thus, doctors don’t go for radiation therapy or surgery right away. They wait and monitor the progress of cancer to consider the next stage of treatment.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy refers to high-energy x-ray beams to target cancer cells. External beam radiation and Brachytherapy are the two types of radiation therapy.
- External beam radiation: X-rays are directed at the prostate from outside the body using a machine. The dosage of the radiation is adjusted to suit the patient.
- Brachytherapy: Smaller pellets are injected into the prostate that gives off lower levels of radiation for a couple of weeks or months. Doctors might also place tubes in the prostate to give out the radiation.
Surgery
Since cancer is limited to the prostate area at this stage, surgical removal of the gland is an effective option. In this case, surgeons usually go for a radical prostatectomy that removes the entire organ, along with a bit of the surrounding tissue to prevent any recurrence of the disease. One of the two following approaches is taken in this case:
- Retropubic prostatectomy: The surgeon cuts on the lower belly to remove the prostate, which is the most common type of surgery for prostate cancer.
- Perineal prostatectomy: The surgeon cuts between the testicles and anus to remove the prostate.
If you notice any symptoms of prostate cancer, make sure to talk to your doctor. The earlier the disease is detected, the better your chances of recovery. You may consider consulting the prostate specialists at BLK-Max Hospital for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.