Prostate Cancer Surgery
Prostate cancer is one of the most slow-growing types of tumour in the history of mankind. It is often the case that this type of cancer does not show any types of symptoms, there is no treatment and the person suffering from it ends up dying from causes that have absolutely nothing to do with it. That is because this type of cancer usually develops in older men who already suffer from various other conditions and, by the time the cancer symptoms actually develop and become dangerous for the patient, the other conditions are usually considerably more serious.
There are, however, exceptions to this rule, just like with any other. Prostate cancer surgery is necessary in the case of the more aggressive prostate cancer that occasionally does occur. Prostate issues in men usually show themselves through symptoms like urination or ejaculation issues - and this is the way prostate cancer is usually discovered.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
The only way to confirm prostate cancer with 100% accuracy is through a biopsy that is made through the removal of small prostate pieces. However, in order for the biopsy to be ordered, usually different symptoms need to suggest prostate issues. A small digital rectal examination can also point towards cancer. Other methods include a cystoscopy or transrectal ultrasonography.
Prostate Cancer Surgery
When prostate cancer is detected, prostate cancer surgery is recommended in the case of larger tumours, but radiation therapy (including external beam radiation therapy), chemotherapy, cryosurgery or hormonal therapy are also used on occasion. A combination of two or more of these treatment methods may also be practiced.
In developed countries, the incidence of death caused by prostate cancer is higher - mostly due to the fact that the life expectancy is longer and the illness has the necessary time to develop. In the entire world, prostate cancer is ninth in terms of spread, while in countries like the United States, it is second only to skin cancer as far as incidences in men go.
Prostate Cancer Surgery Details and Side-Effects
There are four possible stages for prostate cancer. The early stages, A and B, still present a good chance of being cured, in which case cancer surgery is a suitable option and many doctors recommend it. Occasionally, some stage C cases also undergo surgery, if the doctor considers that there is a reasonable likelihood for the surgery to cure the disease.
The procedure that is carried out is called a radical prostatectomy. It is not usually done for patients over the age of 70, due to the increased risks that occasionally outweigh the possible benefits. The cancer surgery usually implies a complete removal of the prostate and the seminal vesicles. It does usually lead to the complete removal of the cancer however it also has the unfortunate effect of impotence, since the prostate is the source of seminal fluid for men. Urinal problems may also occur afterwards - although during the procedure, the surgeons do their best to reconnect the bladder to the urethra. Some doctors attempt to also maintain the patient's potency through a nerve sparing operation and by replacing native nerves with nerves taken from the foot, which also helps the issue.