Treatment for prostate cancer can be done with medications, radiation therapy or surgery, and is indicated by a proctologist.
Generally, treatment is chosen according to the patient's age, disease severity, associated illnesses and life expectancy because all treatments can bring complications such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or infertility but in some cases can be reverted.
Medical Treatment Options
Treatment for early prostate cancer can be done in several ways, including:
- Surgery: The most widely used method is the complete removal of the prostate through a cut made in the abdomen under general anesthesia. The patient usually stays for 3 days. Learn more about this surgery and recovery;
- Radiation therapy: application of radiation in certain areas of the prostate, eliminating cancer cells. It is used in cases where surgery is contraindicated or when the patient refuses this type of treatment;
- Hormone treatment: medicines or surgery are used to regulate the production of the male hormones that promote the development of the disease in the patients;
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Note: It is done through regular consultations with the proctologist to evaluate the evolution of the disease. It is only used in individuals over 75 years of age, with limited life expectancy and with mildly severe tumors.
Treatment for early prostate cancer has good success rates and cure can be achieved in many cases.
Innovative treatment with bacteria and laser
In addition to these treatment options there are studies being conducted to make treatment against prostate cancer more effective and less aggressive. One possibility is a remedy made with bacteria found deep in the ocean and they are sensitive to light. In that case the treatment should be carried out with the taking of this medicine followed by the use of laser that will completely remove the cancerous cells of the prostate.
Studies performed with this treatment protocol showed excellent results and 40% of the men tested were apparently cured. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this method until it can be regulated and used.
How to treat advanced prostate cancer
Treatment for advanced prostate cancer depends on whether the disease is localized or whether metastases are formed. In the case of localized advanced prostate cancer, there is usually an association of two types of treatment that may include hormonal remedies and surgery or radiotherapy and surgery, depending on the severity of the disease.
One of the drugs that can be used when the cancer is advanced and does not respond to radiation therapy is Provenge (Sipuleucel-T) which is a type of vaccine that is prepared for each person, individually. Learn more about this treatment.
Advanced cancer with metastases
In the case of treatment for prostate cancer with metastasis, the most important is to prevent the disease from progressing, so it can be used:
- Surgery to remove both testicles;
- Ingestion of anti-androgenic medicines.
These treatments lead to reduced levels of testosterone, which is primarily responsible for tumor development.
Natural Treatment Options
There is still no natural treatment that can fight cancer, however some home remedies can help complement the treatments indicated by the doctor, relieving symptoms, for example. Some of the most commonly used home options include:
- Saw Palmetto;
- Tomato;
- Nettle;
- Pumpkin Pevides.
Some of these foods may even aid in reducing cancer and prostate size, but should never replace the treatment that has been indicated by the doctor.
Here's how to prepare some of these home remedies for the prostate.
