Treatment Options For Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer can be treated but cannot be completely cured. There are various types of treatments that are available that can help you live a longer life. These treatment options can help slow down the spread of cancer cells as well.
How does hormone therapy help treating metastatic prostate cancer?
- Hormone therapy targets the testosterone hormone, which is responsible for the growth of prostate cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy is usually used alone for treating advanced cancer.
It can be used continuously until the tumor has shrunk enough for further treatment. It is sometimes used after treating cancer with other therapies. There are two types of therapies that come under hormone therapy: Surgery
This includes removing testicles for faster reduction of testosterone in the body. This may be necessary when other means of testosterone reduction are not working. Medications
There may be two types of medications. One type ensures that your body is unable to produce testosterone anymore. The other type of medication can be given to stop testosterone from getting into the cancerous cells. Hormone therapy can have many side-effects such as bone mass loss, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction problems in men.
This includes removing testicles for faster reduction of testosterone in the body. This may be necessary when other means of testosterone reduction are not working.
There may be two types of medications. One type ensures that your body is unable to produce testosterone anymore. The other type of medication can be given to stop testosterone from getting into the cancerous cells.
Is surgery required for treating metastatic prostate cancer?
- It is not always mandatory for you to go through a surgical procedure. However, at times this is the best option. If you are going through urinary problems then a surgery can help you out.
- Your doctor might recommend a radical prostatectomy surgery procedure.
- This surgical procedure removes the prostate from your body.
- It removes the cancer tumor that has been spread near the prostate area.
- This surgery can be done only when the other parts of your body have not been yet affected by the cancerous cells.
- Some problems that occur due to surgery include rectum injury, infection, and bleeding.
What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy is used for getting rid of cancerous cells. It can be used by itself or can be used after surgery to kill cancer cells that could not be removed earlier.
- Radiation therapy is done with the help of large machines. When you have metastatic prostate cancer, the machine points the beam at the area where the cancer is located and destroys the cancer cells.
- For men who have bigger tumors, there may be a combination of treatments used. For example, hormone therapy may be used with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is helpful in pain relief.
What types of treatments are available for metastatic prostate cancer?
There are many types of treatments that are available for treating advanced cancer that has spread to different organs. The following treatments are the most common ones available:
- Chemotherapy
When the cancer cells are spreading quickly, chemotherapy can help out. It helps to relieve prostate cancer symptoms and delays growth of tumors. - Medications
These depend on the pain that you are going through and in which area. Your doctor will prescribe medication that will help you feel relief from pain. - Immunotherapy
Your own cells can be used to fight and kill cancer-causing cells. This can be done with the help of your immune system. - Infusion
You can have a radioactive substance infused in you. This is generally used for people who have bone metastatic cancer.
Are there any resources available for metastatic prostate cancer?
- There are many support services that you can find online. You can search for support groups in your local area too. Prostate cancer treatment options are continuing to increase, which is why it is best to be up to date with the information.
- Prostate cancer treatment is expensive, and if you do not have the financial means, then it can become difficult for you to get the treatment you need at the right time. You should look for financial aid and how you can apply it once you are diagnosed with advanced cancer.
- You can find valuable information with the help of government agencies too. As there are several benefits available such as Medicaid, you can check your eligibility and see which one you can use for your treatment.
- Prostate cancer treatments require you to spend a lot, and so, it is better if you plan in advance. You can check out lodging options too if you are receiving treatment in another state that is far away from your home.
Should you opt for emotional support?
- Getting diagnosed with cancer can demotivate you in many ways. This is why you must keep yourself emotionally strong in order to heal faster during treatment.
- You can speak to your friends and family. If that does not seem possible for you then you can speak to counselors and join support groups.
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