Prostate Cancer Surgery
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, don’t feel that your life has to be over. Even if you are in the latter stages of the illness, there are ways to increase your chance of survival. One of these ways involves prostate cancer surgery. With prostate cancer surgery, you get a prostate cancer treatment that can get rid of the problem quickly and without some of the sickness associated with other treatment options such as chemotherapy. Yet, prostate cancer surgery is not perfect, which is why you should be fully aware of what to expect if you decide to use it to increase your odds of survival. This article will discuss the three main types of prostate cancer surgery: prostate cancer surgery that removes the tumors themselves, prostate cancer surgery that removes the prostate and prostate cancer surgery that removes the testicles.
The first type of prostate cancer surgery is one through which the tumors are removed. This type of prostate cancer surgery works best for individuals who have more centralized, easily defined tumors. The advantage with removing just the tumors is that the prostate can still stay intact, so there’s not as much risk of decreased sexual functioning. However, as with any cancer-related surgery, there’s always the chance that not all the tumors are gotten. There is also a very small risk that any mistake could ‘spill’ the tumors onto healthy tissue making the problem even worse.
The second type of prostate cancer surgery removes the prostate gland itself. This is an option that is considered when the tumors are localized, but so severe or interconnected that it is impossible trying to remove them individually. The problem with this surgery, however, is that a man may encounter problems with his sexuality. Although the prostate itself is not responsible for an erection, it can assist with general arousal. This is why many men experience impotence after this type of prostate cancer surgery. However, the problem can be treated with various sexual therapies and/or drugs such as Viagra.
Finally, there is the most extreme prostate cancer surgery. This is when the testicles are removed, which is also known as castration. Why are the testicles removed if they are not related to the prostate gland? It’s because the testicles produce testosterone, a hormone that helps aggregate prostate cancer. By getting rid of the source that produces testosterone, doctors expect the cancer cells to die out, since they no longer have a catalyst that creates them. However, the problem with this type of prostate cancer surgery is obvious… it carries with it the most potential for sexual problems. A man may not be able to get erect at all without testicles. And if he does, he loses any capacity for reproduction, (if he is at an age where such things are of concern).
In conclusion, several options for prostate cancer surgery exist. Some are more extreme than others, but overall if they can save a person’s life they definitely need to be considered.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The kind of treatment a prostate cancer sufferer will face will depend very much upon how the tumors inside your body are developing. Some men don’t get a treatment at all. Most men who have prostate cancer go through a number of stages, watchful waiting, chemotherapy and radiotherapy each of these can be long and painful.
Do I Have Prostate Cancer?
You may think that your prostate is healthy however you could still have prostate cancer. Signs of prostate cancer may not be seen for months after you first develop the cancer. Signs of prostate cancer include problems with erections and ejaculations. If you think for one moment that you may have prostate cancer you should see a doctor immediately!