Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be scary. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for many men in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, around one in seven men are diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about one in 38 die of the disease. However, when caught in time, prostate cancer is treatable. In addition to traditional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the medical community is constantly working on introducing new alternative treatments. Take a look at some of these new prostate cancer treatments.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is one possible choice for men who choose not to pursue conventional treatments, or for whom conventional treatments are not an option. The male hormone, testosterone, is what encourages the growth of prostate cancer cells. Lowering or eliminating the amount of testosterone in the body can stop the growth and spread of the cancer cells.
Hormone therapy can involve injections of medication that suppresses the production of testosterone, surgery to prevent the body from producing testosterone, or a combination of the two.
HIFU
HIFU, or high intensity focused ultrasound therapy, is a technique that's been used for years in Europe and in countries like China, Japan, and Canada. It's not yet FDA approved in the United States, but it is in clinical trials, so you may be able to receive HIFU treatment in the future in the states. To explore your current options, contact an establishment like International HIFU.
HIFU is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted ultrasound waves to destroy cancerous tissue without harming healthy surrounding tissue. Because of the noninvasive and focused nature of this treatment, patients who receive HIFU treatment experience fewer side effects and are quickly able to return to normal life. The best candidates for HIFU are patients in the early stages of the disease whose cancer hasn't spread, although it may also be used as an alternative for patients who haven't responded to other treatments or therapies.
Radiofrequency Ablation
For patients in later stages of the disease, a technique called radiofrequency ablation may help. This method of treatment is used on people whose prostate cancer has spread to the bone. Radiofrequency ablation involves using a metal probe to send a high-frequency current into the affected area. This destroys tumors and triggers an inflammatory reaction that attacks cancerous tissue.
This procedure has several benefits for the patient. It's low risk, it causes little to no pain to the patient, and it can be performed more than once if the cancer reoccurs. It also requires only a short time in the hospital.
It's natural to be worried if you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but as you can see, there are plenty of treatment options that can help. Explore traditional and alternative treatments with your doctor to find the one that's right for you.
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