Prostate cancer treatment

To seek a second opinion 

 Treatment decisions are complex. Before the start of treatment, patients may want to seek advice on diagnosis and treatment plan of a second opinion. And short-term treatment of delayed and will not reduce the chance of success. The following are a few seek "second opinion" approach: 

 Your physician may refer you to the expertise of experts in the treatment of prostate cancer, such as a urologist, radiation oncology and medical oncology doctors physicians. 

Cancer Center Cancer Advisory Services. 

 Patients from other nearby hospitals, medical centers or medical will be given the names of these experts. Also available at public libraries or the Internet has made out the names of physicians, expertise and background of the list. 

  Treatment preparation 

 The treatment of prostate cancer according to many factors, including disease stage, tumor grade (cell growth and possible spread to other parts of the speed), the patient's age, general health status and treatment of patients views and the possible side effects. Physicians will be in accordance with these factors set out a treatment plan for patients. 

 Many cancer patients will want to know all about their disease, the selective treatment and possible treatment side-effects which have, so that they can actively participate in medical care decisions. There are many ways for the treatment of male prostate cancer (surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy). Not all patients are required to accept such treatment. Patient and his physician may consider the benefits of each treatment and potential side effects, especially the impact of sexuality and the role of voiding, as well as the other will affect the quality of life issues. Patients and physicians may want to discuss the new treatment to participate in relevant research, such studies called "clinical trials" are designed to improve cancer treatment. 

 When the patient was diagnosed with cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions. These feelings may result in patients not think they want to ask doctors questions. Patients can use the notes or recordings to help them bring a note of physicians said, some patients hope that they will discuss with the doctor can have relatives or friends, together with participation in decision-making, or just want to accompany them to the side to listen to. 

 Patients do not need to first ask or write down all the questions. Questions may arise throughout the course of treatment. Patients may also be asked about the doctors, nurses or other health care team and the future-related questions or provide more information. 

 Patients before receiving treatment doctor may want to asked the following questions: 

 Stage of disease? 

 Level of disease? 

 I need to accept the treatment? What are the treatment options? Do you have any suggestions? Why? 

 Each treatment which has the desired effect? 

 Each treatment and the possible risk of side effects which have? 

 Treatment would affect my sexual life? 

 I may be voiding the problem? 

 Treatment of the number of chances of success? 

 What are the new treatments in clinical trials under way? I have clinical trials for it? 

  Treatment method 

 Many prostate cancer disease progression in patients with a view to early detection are slow and may not need treatment. For older or have other serious medical disease or may not have been recommended for treatment. Of these patients, the possible side-effects and treatment of the risk of treatment may far exceed the benefits; Instead, doctors may recommend "close observation" and close tracking of patients, when symptoms occur again when the treatment. Researchers conducting the study to find out which patients with early prostate cancer treatment to be effective and the time and manner. 

 Prostate cancer treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy or hormonal therapy. Sometimes, patients will receive combined treatment. In addition, doctors are studying other treatment methods to discover whether they can effectively combat the disease.

Surgery 

 Surgical treatment of early prostate cancer are the most common forms of treatment. Surgical resection of the entire prostate, known as radical prostate surgery. Surgery usually have two types of the method is feasible. One is "retropubic prostate surgery," make an incision in the abdomen, from where to remove the prostate and nearby lymph nodes. The other is "the will prostate surgery," are in the scrotum and make an incision between the anus and from there to remove the prostate gland, and nearby lymph nodes are sometimes necessary to do another one in the abdominal incision to remove. If the physician found pathological lymph nodes have cancer cells, may mean that cancer cells have been transferred to other parts of the body of the. 

 The following are the patients before surgery would like to ask the doctor some questions: 

 I will accept what kind of surgery? 

 After surgery I will feel? 

 If there is pain in the case, you can help me? 

 There will be any delayed side effects happen? 

 Radiation Therapy 

 Radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer are another treatment. Radiation therapy (commonly known as electrotherapy), is the use of high-energy radiation damage to cancer cells and inhibit their growth and splitting. The same as surgery, radiation therapy is local treatment, the treatment of the region can only kill cancer cells. Early prostate cancer, radiation therapy can be used to substitute for surgery, or it may be used in patients after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells in the region. For patients with extensive prostate cancer, radiotherapy may be used to alleviate pain or other problems. 

 Radiation may come from the machine (in vitro radiation) or from the implant (a small container containing radioactive material) placed directly in or near the tumor (in vivo radiation). Some patients use a combination of both radiotherapy. 

 In vitro in patients with radiation therapy, takes a day to the hospital for treatment. Usually five days a week, about six weeks. This timing is to the total dose of radiation given separately in order to protect normal tissue. Radiation exposure in the major pelvic region. Throughout the treatment before the end, usually have small pelvic region is the site of primary tumor additional strengthening of the so-called radiation. 

 Acceptable radiation therapy in vivo, when the implants after implantation in vivo, the patient must be hospitalized for several days. Implants may be temporary or permanent. When the temporary implant is removed, the body, there is no radiation. Permanent implant radiation volume has too much to others is not a danger, but patients should pay attention to or during the implantation to be careful to avoid too long intimate contact with others. 

 The following patients are at the beginning of radiation therapy before doctors will be asked some questions: 

 What is the purpose of treatment? 

 Radiation therapy are how to implement? 

 When to start treatment? When The End? 

 During treatment, I will feel? 

 During treatment How do I take care of themselves? 

 How do I know if radiation therapy effective for me? 

 During treatment can continue normal activities? 

 Hormone therapy 

 The principle of hormonal treatment of prostate cancer cells are not required to get it the growth of male hormones. When patients receiving hormone therapy, the amount of male hormones will be reduced. So reduce the amount of hormones can affect all prostate cancer cells, even if they have been transferred to other parts of the body. Therefore, hormone therapy is a systemic treatment. 

 Hormone therapy has a variety of ways. Include: 

 Orchiectomy: the testicles are removed in order to get rid of the major manufacturing source of male hormones. 

 Lutein to promote hormone (LHRH): are used to prevent testicular testosterone manufacture. 

 Estrogen: A female hormone, used to inhibit testicular testosterone manufacture. 

 Anti-androgen preparations: in the orchiectomy or luteinizing hormone or the promotion of estrogen treatment, the body can no longer be testosterone from the testicles. However, the adrenal glands still produce small amounts of male hormones. Sometimes, patients also eat anti-androgen agents, which should be blocking any residual effect of male hormones. By this combined treatment to achieve complete androgen blockade. 

 Transferred to other parts of the body of prostate cancer can usually be controlled with hormone therapy for some time, usually several years. However, the majority of prostate cancer cells can ultimately necessary evolution to only a small amount of or no male hormones will be able to grow. At this time, hormone therapy is no longer effective, and doctors will recommend a number of studies in other treatment methods. 

 Clinical trials 

 There are many prostate cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Physicians to conduct clinical trials by the discovery of new treatment methods are safe and effective. In some clinical trials, all patients received the new treatment methods. In other trials may in some patients receiving the new therapy, some people accept the standard therapy, physicians can use this method to compare the efficacy of therapy. 

 Patients involved in clinical trials are the medical has a great contribution, but also the first to receive improved treatment, which benefits the person received. 

 Many of the new treatment of prostate cancer clinical trials are still ongoing. For example: physicians are relatively early stage prostate cancer patient to receive treatment with the only difference between careful observation. The results of this study will help physicians understand the patients with early prostate cancer should be treated immediately or wait until the onset of symptoms until the beginning of treatment. 

 Physicians with ongoing radiation therapy and hormonal therapy to use a new study. Some physicians are also under study cryosurgery, and is based on a very low temperature to kill the cancerous cells, which are in addition to surgery and radiation therapy in addition to a method of treatment. Cryosurgery are using a low temperature probe placed in the apparatus Cancer frozen up it, to avoid the healthy tissue nearby. 

 Researchers are also looking at does not respond to hormone therapy or has ceased to react to chemotherapy in patients with prostate cancer and the therapeutic effect of biological agents. In addition, scientists are also looking for the combined therapy of a variety of new treatment modalities. Relating to clinical trials of prostate cancer-related information may contact Cancer Center.

Treatment side effects 

 Although physicians are well prepared and careful treatment plan, but usually it is difficult to the role of treatment is confined to remove or destroy cancer cells. Treatment because it will also upset the healthy cells and tissues, it often cause uncomfortable side effects. 

 The main side effects of cancer treatment, as treatment methods and scope of, and response of each patient are also different. Medical and nursing staff will explain the treatment of side effects that may occur at the same time help reduce the treatment period or after treatment of the symptoms may occur. Any side effects happen when doctors know is very important. 

 Surgical Treatment: Although the patients in a few days after surgery are usually very uncomfortable, but their pain can be controlled with drugs. Patients should be very comfortable and the physician or nursing staff to discuss how to reduce the pain. After the operation for some time feel tired or weak is also very common. Recovery time for each patient in accordance with accepted surgical methods vary. 

 Surgery to remove the prostate may lead to permanent impotence and sometimes cause urinary incontinence. These side effects happen less now. Some surgeons will use a new surgical approach, especially to remove small tumors. This technology is called nerve dissection, may be able to control and prevention of permanent nerve injury erectile and injury to the bladder to the opening. When the surgery is very successful, impotence and incontinence is temporary. However, the acceptance of prostate surgery patients will no longer manufacture of semen, so they do have a climax. 

 Radiation therapy: patients receiving radiation therapy may become very tired, especially in the weeks after treatment. Rest is important, but doctors also advise patients usually try to keep the load can take part in physical activities. May occur in patients with diarrhea or urinary frequency and voiding discomfort. In addition, when patients receiving radiation therapy in vitro, the region in the treatment of skin red, dry, tenderness and itching. Radiation therapy can also lead to pelvic region hair. This may be temporary or permanent, depending on the dose of radiation may be. 

 Radiation therapy can cause a number of male impotence. In vitro impotence caused by radiation therapy than the probability of radiation therapy in vivo high, due to radiation therapy than the body will not hurt to the control of erectile nerves. 

 Hormone therapy: orchiectomy, luteinizing hormone to promote (LHRH) and estrogen will cause some side effects, such as reduced libido, impotence and hot flashes and so on. The beginning of the use of luteinizing hormone early promotion will promote tumor growth, exacerbate the symptoms of patients. This temporary problem is called "Tumor Flare". However, the drug will be gradually let the blood concentration of testosterone decline. Do not have enough testosterone, tumor growth will be slowed and the patient's situation will improve. Prostate cancer patients receiving estrogen or anti-androgen treatment may cause nausea, vomiting or breast swelling and tenderness. (Estrogen is now being used less because it will increase the patient's heart problem. This therapy for patients with a history of heart disease are not suitable). 

 Chemical treatment: Chemical treatment of patients with major side effects is acceptable according to the type and dose of drugs to another. Cancer Center issued "going chemotherapy haze" provides a cancer chemotherapy and in response to side effects related to the message. 

 Biological agents therapy: side effects of therapy of biological agents, as the different types of treatment vary. These treatments may cause flu-type symptoms such as chills, fever, myalgia, weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients sometimes rash, easy bruising or bleeding. These questions may be very serious, but they will gradually disappear after cessation of treatment, sometimes in the treatment of patients must remain in hospital. 

 Nutrition for cancer patients 

 Some cancer patients feel during treatment difficult to eat well, they may lose their appetite. In addition, treatment of common side effects such as nausea, vomiting or oral inflammation will make things more difficult to import. For some patients to eat when the food tastes also change. In addition, when feel uncomfortable or tired, they do not eat anything. Eating well can be express enough calories and protein to help prevent weight loss and restoration of physical strength. During treatment in cancer patients are usually eating well will feel better and have more stamina. In addition they may have more ability to control the side effects during treatment. 

 Physicians, nurses and dietitians can offer cancer treatment during the recommended healthy diet. Information patients and families can contact the hospital dietitian.

The importance of tracking 

 Any prostate cancer after treatment of patients with regular follow-up examinations are very important. Physicians will recommend appropriate follow-up plan. Physicians will be the arrangements for patients to do regular checks to determine whether the disease has relapsed or deteriorating condition, and decide whether or not to make other checks need to be explored further. Follow-up examinations may include X-ray, bone scan and laboratory tests such as PSA blood test. 

 Supporting Cancer Patients 

 And the coexistence of serious diseases are not easy. Cancer patients and their caregivers will also be faced with many difficulties and challenges, when people have the benefit of information and support services, often in response to these difficulties would be more easier. 

 Friends and relatives can be a lot of support, the same way, and other people who have cancer to discuss their matters of concern, but also can help many patients. Cancer patients can often take in supporting the team together, to share experience and adaptation of cancer treatment, however, very important to remember that every patient is different, even in the same two cancer patients suffering from inter - , cancer treatment and the way these individuals deal with effectively, it may not be suitable for another person. In addition to the recommendations made by friends and relatives used to discuss with the doctor is good. 

 Cancer patients might be worried about how to keep their jobs, take care of the family, to maintain the pace of daily life or create new interpersonal relationships. Concerned about the cancer will go the examination, treatment, hospitalization and medical costs. Physicians, nurses and other health care team members can answer some regarding treatment, job or other activities. In addition, patients can also be about their feelings, concerns, or the future of the questions related to personal relationships, and social workers, counselors, or religious discussions are useful. 

 Patients and other partners concerned about prostate cancer treatment on sexual life, as well as the impact is very natural. And physicians who may wish to discuss possible side effects and these side effects may be temporary or permanent. During treatment or after treatment, the patient and his partner if we can share each other's concerns, and to help another with the expression of his love, it will be helpful to them. 

 Typically, in a hospital or clinic can provide a number of social workers can help rehabilitation, emotional support, economic assistance, transportation or home care groups. Related information, please contact the Department of our hospital social workers. 

 Future Prospects 

 Researchers are looking for better ways to treat prostate cancer and to improve opportunities. However, patients and their families concerned about their future is very natural. Sometimes patients will use some statistical values go outlines recovery chances. However, the need to bear in mind is that these statistics can not predict the future patients, because patients are different, treatment and results may also have significant differences. Most physicians understand patients, so the discussion is the prognosis of patients with the most suitable candidates, patients and physicians should be comfortable to discuss their prognosis, but they must be remembered that even the doctors can not predict all patients will have what kind of future . 

 Doctors often talk about the survival rate of cancer when patients often will tell the outcome of remission are not cured, because even though there are many patients suffering from prostate cancer has been completely cured, the disease still may be in a few years after the relapse. 

 Prospects for prostate cancer research 

 In 1997, prostate happened the total number of cases of cancer occurred in the 2.56 percent the number of cases, prostate cancer deaths among all deaths of 1.66%; the incidence of the ranking of sixth place in the male , the mortality rate ranked ninth in the men. In the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer total of 1096 people, representing the number of cases of genital male 90.21%, died of prostate cancer a total of 463 person. Therefore, researchers in many ongoing research, would like to know more causes of prostate cancer and early detection methods.