Depending upon the stage ofprostate cancer, differenttreatment optionsare available.
These treatment options include:
This article will review how surgery and radiation treat prostate cancer.
Both can be very effective forms of treatment in men with the disease.
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Although they may have the same goals of therapy, there are differences between these treatments.
Be sure to see your healthcare provider for the diagnosis to receive the best treatment for yourself.
How Does It Work?
There are multiple types of surgery that can be used.
With focal therapy, only select areas of the prostate areablated(destroyed) to minimize side effects.
Costs may include hospital fees, anesthesia fees, and surgeon fees.
The average cost of hospital fees for prostatectomy in the United States is about $34,000.
There are multiple types of radiation treatments that can be used for prostate cancer.
It is usually given in daily doses five days a week for about six weeks.
This may also be referred to as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife.
This bang out of radiation often uses much higher doses than standard external beam radiation.
How Is It Delivered?
Brachytherapy seeds are placed under anesthesia in an operating room.
Side effects of radiation therapy can include:
External beam radiation is typically available at most cancer centers.
More specialized centers may provide other forms of radiation such as stereotactic radiation.
The costs of radiation therapy vary depending upon the throw in of radiation given.
The average cost of external beam radiation is about $57,000.
Stereotactic radiation averages about $50,000, and brachytherapy is about $20,000.
Which Treatment Is Best for You?
These are all taken into account by the treating healthcare team when creating a personalized treatment plan.
The side effects of urinary and bowel problems can be distressing.
Other coping strategies include:
Sexual dysfunction related to prostate cancer treatment can also be an unwelcome side effect.
Helpful ways to cope with this can include:
Fatigue is a common symptom of prostate cancer treatment.
Side effects of both treatments can include sexual dysfunction, bowel and bladder problems, and fatigue.
No single treatment is right for everyone.
Its also very important to discuss any potential long-term side effects from whatever treatment you received.
National Cancer Institute.Prostate cancer treatment.
2020;17(1):28-40. doi:10.1038/s41585-019-0258-3
American Cancer Society.Radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
American Cancer Society.Bladder and bowel incontinence.
American Cancer Society.Managing male sexual problems related to cancer.
American Cancer Society.Managing fatigue or weakness.
