Radical Prostatectomy Alternatives

Radical prostatectomy alternatives are other prostate cancer treatment options or enlarged prostate treatment options that you could choose if you prefer not to have a radical prostatectomy. One such method is prostate radiation. Prostate cancer radiation treatment can include brachytherapy, which is a type of prostate cancer radiation surgery that involves the implantation of tiny, radioactive capsules into the prostate gland. These prostate cancer radiation “seeds” emit low dose rate radiation to kill the malignant, or cancerous, cells. This type of prostate radiation treatment could work for you if you have stage I or II cancer that is localized in the prostate gland. However, if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, you may need high dose rate brachycatheter surgery and treatment. External radiation treatment (or XRT) is also used to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors as a stand-alone treatment and as an adjunct therapy. In an office visit Dr. Gheiler will place 4 gold markers in the prostate so that the beam of high energy x-rays will focus directly in the prostate giving a more accurate dose. These gold markers are called fiducial markers.

Radical prostatectomy alternatives also include prostate cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy. Prostate cancer cryosurgery involves our surgeons injecting liquids of freezing cold temperatures into thin probes placed in the prostate to destroy the cells that compose the prostate, thus killing any cancerous tissue inside. This is an option if you have prostate cancer in stage II or above or if prostate cancer radiation treatment was not successful.

Prostate hormone treatment is another prostate cancer and enlarged prostate treatment option for patients whose cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. Prostate cancer hormone treatment, such as Lupron treatment for prostate cancer, is used to prevent your body from temporarily or permanently producing more testosterone and all androgens (or hormones). This technique does not cure cancer but slows down or stops the growth of cancerous cells; prostate cancer grows when it is exposed to the male hormones. Prostate cancer Lupron treatment and other hormonal therapies also increase your survival rate and maximize your quality of life as you deal with your condition. Some patients may also need to have their testicles removed so that the testes cannot produce any more testosterone.

Patients with mild or moderate prostate cancer symptoms can go through a period of prostate cancer watchful waiting before electing for any surgery or alternative treatment options. This means you are waiting to see if and how your cancer progresses before undergoing any treatment or surgery. Because prostate cancer grows very slowly, this may work in the beginning, while you consider all of your treatment options. Also, this will give you time to research any side effects that accompany some surgical and alternative treatment options. During this time, our doctors will request that you attend regular visits and participate in diagnostic tests in order see if or how the cancer is growing.