Prostrate cancer is a cancer affecting prostrate gland which is one of the male reproductive glands. Prostrate gland plays a major physiological role in male reproductive system by contributing semen. Mostly it is found in old men and it grows larger as the age of men progresses. Due to larger size it may block the urethra which may lead to difficulty in urinating and also sometimes may block the urinary bladder. The person affected may also suffer from erectile dysfunction and may have problems during sexual intercourse. The cancer may also metastasize and spread to other parts such as bones. The treatment of prostrate cancer has various options available, and it is upto the patient and doctor to choose the method of treatment considering various conditional factors. Following are some of the treatment methods opted to alleviate the condition: Prostate Cancer Surgery : this method is usually opted in young men and not in older men because the old cannot regenerate faster after the surgery is done. So there are chances of complication in their case. In surgeries again different types are available depending upon the disease condition of the patient and diagnostic tests, following surgeries are performed: 1. Radical prostectomy : This procedure involves removal of prostrate gland, surrounding tissues and also the seminal vesicles. This can be done in two ways by the surgeons: • Retropubic: In this way, the incision (cut) is made via the abdomen and the surrounding tissue is also removed from the same incision. • Perineal: In this way, the incision is made in the perineal area (between the anus and scrotum) of the patient. But in this case, the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes are to be removed via separate incision made in the abdomen. 2. Pelvic lymphadenectomy: This type of surgery is preferred when there are cancerous cells in the lymph nodes surrounding the prostrate gland. This procedure involves surgical removal of lymph nodes in the pelvic region. Prior to this there may be examination of the lymph tissue for any cancerous cells. 3. Transurethral resection of the prostrate (TURP) : This type of surgery is involves use of resectoscopy where a resectoscope (a light weight thin tube with cutting tube) is inserted in urethra and cancerous tissue is removed. This procedure is usually preferred in patients who cannot undergo radical prostectomy. Prostate cancer Radiation therapy : This includes irradiation of the area affected with high energy X rays to kill the cancerous cells. The irradiation can be done in two ways, one being from outside where the patient is subjected to radiation superficially. And secondly it’s done by inserting wires or catheters and through them radiation is passed on tissue affected. This procedure usually has risks such as impotence and also chances of acquiring other cancers such as rectal and bladder cancer. Prostate Cancer Hormonal therapy : The prostrate gland grows in size due to action of male sex hormones on it. This therapy involves blocking these hormones which cause growth of the prostrate tissue. Here are few of the types of drugs that can be used in hormonal therapy: Buserelin, Goserelin, are some of the drugs that can reduce the male sex hormone (testosterone) levels in the body. Androgen antagonists such as Flutamide can also be advised. sometimes Estrogen also can be given to reduce production of testosterone.
All type of prostate cancer is slow growing and treatments available in India are very effective. When comparing Prostate cancer survival statistics we come out ahead of most type of other cancers. Thus time is normally on our side and makes it much easier to deal with and decide on treatment options.
