Men Prostate Health

Several researches have proved that almost 80% of men in their eighties had prostate cancer, but not even the doctors know about it. However, early detection and diagnosis make this type of cancer curable. They say that the best cure for any illness is prevention. That is why it is advisable for men, 50 years old and above, to have regular digital rectal exam and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test. Meanwhile, for those who already have prostate cancer, they should be informed about the different treatments. Hormone therapy is one of the common treatments for prostate cancer as it can stop the advancement of cancer for two or three years. On the other hand, when hormonal therapy fails to stop the spread of prostate cancer for a longer time, Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer can occur.

Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer is a stage of prostate cancer that is resistant to androgen deprivation therapy, and is more likely to spread to other organs. The most common site for metastases is bone, specifically the pelvic bones, hip, and spine. For most patients, bone recurrence can cause pain. Usually, a fracture on the site involved may exist without prior symptoms. Aside from bones, other parts of the body such as lungs, brain and lymph nodes are potential sites for metastasis. This may occur a few months or years after the start of hormone therapy. To be certain of its existence, testosterone levels are being checked. After this, a series of diagnostic procedures are ordered to determine the extent and the progression of the cancer. These can include a bone scan, a CAT scan or MRI. Also, PSA level is monitored closely as it gives an idea on how fast the cancer is progressing. Acid phosphates blood test is also an effective tumor marker. The progression of prostate cancer differs individually, so physicians should be able to closely monitor their patient’s condition.

Treatment for Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer is limited. In fact, some studies show that this is incurable as of the moment, that’s why treatments and therapies are only palliative. However, different types of medical managements are advisable for the patients. These include suramin therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other experimental approaches like immunotherapy and gene therapy.

A person diagnosed with prostate cancer can check for various treatment options from prostate cancer Mayo Clinic. These treatment options usually depend on the severity of the condition, the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure, and the health of the patient.

Hormone therapy is done to control the production of testosterone, the male hormone, since cancer cells need this hormone for growth. A patient undergoing hormone therapy takes medications that either impede testosterone from reaching cancer cells or medications that halt the production of the hormone. Meanwhile, radiation therapy is also one of the treatment options for prostate cancer at the Mayo Clinic, wherein radiation applied externally or through radioactive seeds placed inside the body is used to kill cancer cells.

Surgery can also be done in treating prostate cancer at the Mayo Clinic. The prostate gland can be removed through various methods, such as laparoscopic prostatectomy and radical prostatectomy. The patient may also opt to have his testicles removed since one of the roles of these organs is to produce testosterone.

Other treatment options include freezing prostate tissue through cryotherapy, using high-intensity ultrasound to kill cancer cells, and chemotherapy.