Options Available to Patients With Advanced Prostate Cancer
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Advanced prostate cancer is generally defined as cancer that is not curable, but still treatable. There may be no stopping the spread of the disease, but there are ways to slow it down, and still ways to experience relief from pain.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from advanced prostate cancer, it is always good to be more aware of your options. It isn't always restricted to what your doctor says, although of course it is best to listen to your doctor's advice.
1. Radiation treatment. This type of treatment comes in three modern forms: external beam radiation treatment (EBRT), brachytherapy or internal radiation treatment, and injectible radioactive chemicals. In this mode of therapy, the patient is exposed to radioactive chemicals or light, which shrinks the tumors and provides some relief for pain and other ailments that may be caused by the cancer.
Your doctor can suggest a form of radiation therapy which he or she would consider the most effective in the patient's case. In the case of a patient whose cancer has already spread to the bones and lymph nodes, internal radiation treatment may be more effective. Sometimes, but not always, exposure to radiation could lead to some permanent side effects, such as bowel and urinary difficulties, and impotence.
2. Hormone therapy. Usually done alongside radiation therapy, this involves the inhibition of male hormones (i.e. testosterone), which may affect the growth of prostate cancer cells. Chemotherapy is done in some cases where hormone therapy is not successful.
3. Surgery. Radical prostatectomy is conducted in cases where it may be necessary to remove the prostate. This is usually done in an effort to prevent the cancer from spreading. This is drastic and considered most often when radiation treatment or hormone therapy have not produced desirable results.
4. Alternative treatment. The benefits of homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medication and other forms of alternative therapy should not be written off. Be very careful when taking alternative medication, however - some of it could conflict with the prescription medicines you are already taking.
The important thing is not to lose hope - the treatments for advanced prostate cancer work best when the patient himself has faith in the procedures. What is important is what the patient believes will make him feel better, so it would help to always keep an open mind.