What can a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer expect? Well, one of the first things they have to do is decide which course of treatment would best suit their needs. And there are many different treatments for prostate cancer. In fact, there are so many options it can be a bit overwhelming at first. But evaluating each option, and the advantages and disadvantages each entails, can make choosing the right treatments for prostate cancer much easier.

Two treatments for prostate cancer that patients will usually have to consider are surgery and radiation therapy.

Surgery

There is actually no one surgery used to fight prostate cancer. There are several, some with more drawbacks than others. But, no matter what surgical procedure is used, the goal is the same. To remove the cancer from the area affected.

The traditional surgery used to treat prostate cancer is one most patients and doctors often try to avoid. This surgery involves cutting certain nerves in order to allow the surgeon to reach the area in which the cancer can be found. Is this surgery effective? Yes, it can be. Unfortunately, the nerves that are cut control erection, and men who undergo this procedure are often left impotent.

Fortunately, there’s another, less invasive surgical option. In this procedure, a robotic arm is used to make a small incision in the skin, allowing the cancer to be removed. This surgery causes less pain and discomfort to the patient. Patients recover faster, and are able to leave the hospital sooner.

Radiation Therapy

Of the many different treatments for prostate cancer, radiation therapy is the one people seem to dread the most. And for good reason. With traditional radiation therapy, patients often suffer many unpleasant side effects, like constant nausea, and feelings of weakness and fatigue. However, this form of cancer treatment can be very effective, and side effects are the price many are willing to pay to be rid of the cancer that has invaded their bodies.

However, there are other solutions. One alternative to traditional radiation therapy involves focusing the radiation directly at the affected area. Another alternative is “seed” therapy. In this procedure, radioactive pellets, or “seeds,” are injected directly into the affected area. The result of both procedures is that the rest of the body is less affected than it would be by traditional radiation therapy, so the patient experiences fewer side effects.

When considering treatments for prostate cancer, it’s important to examine all of your options, weigh the pros and cons of each, and choose the treatment that you believe is right for you.