The prostate gland is located at the exit of the bladder in men and is responsible for producing the liquid component of semen. According to Prostate UK, men have a one in 14 lifetime risk of developing cancer of the prostate gland. When prostate cancer is slow-growing and confined to the prostate, it may may require little treatment intervention. More advanced stages of prostate cancer, however, may require more aggressive treatment. A doctor may use one or several methods to help destroy or remove cancerous cells.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment of prostate cancer, according to Bupa, a UK-based international health care company. The surgical technique usually employed is known as radical prostatectomy. This technique removes the whole prostate gland and is considered a major operation. It may be performed as open surgery, or in some cases, a surgeon may employ minimally invasive surgery, a procedure known as robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Another less common surgical technique used to remove the prostate is known as radical perineal prostatectomy which involves removing the prostate through an incision between the anus and scrotum.
Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is used to treat prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate. Radiation therapy may used to help improve the quality of life for patients who are not well enough undergo surgery to remove the prostate gland. According to MayoClinic.com, EBRT has delivered with good long-term results though side effects such as fatigue and urinary problems may affect men who have undergone radiation therapy.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is used to block the action of testosterone, the male hormone that helps cancer cells to grow. Bupa warns that while this may prevent the cancer from spreading, it is not a cure for prostate cancer. Hormone therapy may employ the use of drugs including goserelin and bicalutamide which are injected into the buttocks or abdomen. Anti-androgens which block the production of adrenal testosterone may also be prescribed. These drugs are supplied in pill form to be taken orally and include bicalutamide and nilutamide. Another type of hormone therapy known as an orchidectomy involves removing the testicles in order to permanently remove the main source of testosterone production.
Chemotherapy
According to Macmillan Cancer Research, chemotherapy is mainly used in prostate cancer that can no longer be controlled by other methods. Chemotherapy drugs such as docetaxel and mitoxantrone are given intravenously in order to control the cancer and prolong life. Chemotherapy is an aggressive treatment which affects different people in different ways, but common side effects include hair loss, lowered resistance to infection as well as nausea and vomiting.
