Important Information on Prostate Cancer Surgery
Prostate cancer is one of those cancers which grow very slowly and are not easy to diagnose.
It is a critical illness for men over fifty years of age, so it is of prime importance that men in the susceptible age group get regular check-ups so as to prevent the trauma of prostate cancer surgery.
One of the early signs, apart from urinary problems, is an enlarged prostate, which can be manually felt by the physician.
A simple blood test is usually a guide as to whether the patient has prostate cancer or not.
If the doctor can clinically diagnose an enlarged gland, he will ask for an ultrasound test.
Depending on the findings, the patient may have to undergo prostate cancer surgery.
Prostate cancer surgery is nothing to be frightened of as surgeons do it routinely.
Different Kinds of Prostate Cancer Surgery Prostate cancer surgery may be routine for the surgeon, but there are many different types of surgery which can be done to remove the prostate gland.
But it is important that the cancer is localized and not spread.
Among the common surgery for prostate gland removal is the radical retropubic prostatectomy whereby the prostate gland is removed through a small cut in the abdomen.
However, surgery may not be the first resort, depending on the stage the cancer is caught.
Sometimes radiotherapy may be the first option.
It is important to discuss all options and treatments before going in for prostate cancer surgery.
Prostate cancer surgery is not always done through an abdominal incision.
Another type of prostate cancer surgery is called perineal prostatectomy where the cancer is removed via the perineum.
Then there is laparoscopic surgery.
What kind of surgery is done depends a great deal on how far the cancer has spread, because if the enlargement is too big it can affect the surrounding nerves and tissues and surgery has to be very precise not to cause further damage.
Since prostate cancer surgery can cause adverse complications like impotence or incontinence, it always better to take an informed decision and explore all options.
Sexual arousal, ejaculation, urine and bowel control can all be affected by the prostate gland.
Sometimes the enlarged prostate gland can cause urinary problems, especially when the urethra is blocked by the enlargement.
In such cases the problem causing part can be excised and the rest heals on its own.
But this is not necessarily a cure for prostate cancer, which is a more serious problem.
Prostate cancer surgery may not always be needed; sometimes the cancer can yield to radiation therapy.
In the first place, regular medical check-ups are important to rule out any problems, especially with the prostate gland.
However, if prostate cancer does occur, then different treatment options must be discussed with the medical practitioner or oncologist.
The information provided in this article, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.
It is a critical illness for men over fifty years of age, so it is of prime importance that men in the susceptible age group get regular check-ups so as to prevent the trauma of prostate cancer surgery.
One of the early signs, apart from urinary problems, is an enlarged prostate, which can be manually felt by the physician.
A simple blood test is usually a guide as to whether the patient has prostate cancer or not.
If the doctor can clinically diagnose an enlarged gland, he will ask for an ultrasound test.
Depending on the findings, the patient may have to undergo prostate cancer surgery.
Prostate cancer surgery is nothing to be frightened of as surgeons do it routinely.
Different Kinds of Prostate Cancer Surgery Prostate cancer surgery may be routine for the surgeon, but there are many different types of surgery which can be done to remove the prostate gland.
But it is important that the cancer is localized and not spread.
Among the common surgery for prostate gland removal is the radical retropubic prostatectomy whereby the prostate gland is removed through a small cut in the abdomen.
However, surgery may not be the first resort, depending on the stage the cancer is caught.
Sometimes radiotherapy may be the first option.
It is important to discuss all options and treatments before going in for prostate cancer surgery.
Prostate cancer surgery is not always done through an abdominal incision.
Another type of prostate cancer surgery is called perineal prostatectomy where the cancer is removed via the perineum.
Then there is laparoscopic surgery.
What kind of surgery is done depends a great deal on how far the cancer has spread, because if the enlargement is too big it can affect the surrounding nerves and tissues and surgery has to be very precise not to cause further damage.
Since prostate cancer surgery can cause adverse complications like impotence or incontinence, it always better to take an informed decision and explore all options.
Sexual arousal, ejaculation, urine and bowel control can all be affected by the prostate gland.
Sometimes the enlarged prostate gland can cause urinary problems, especially when the urethra is blocked by the enlargement.
In such cases the problem causing part can be excised and the rest heals on its own.
But this is not necessarily a cure for prostate cancer, which is a more serious problem.
Prostate cancer surgery may not always be needed; sometimes the cancer can yield to radiation therapy.
In the first place, regular medical check-ups are important to rule out any problems, especially with the prostate gland.
However, if prostate cancer does occur, then different treatment options must be discussed with the medical practitioner or oncologist.
The information provided in this article, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.
