Prostate Cancer Surgery
Prostate cancer surgery can be a method to treatment
and even to cure the condition.
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But, surgery is not always the answer and it is not
always an option. For patients in advanced stages of cancer or those
that have other physical risks involved with surgery, it may not be
used. Yet, for many, this is a common treatment for prostate cancer.
There are several types of surgeries that can be performed. In
radical retropubic prostatectomy, the doctors will remove the
prostrate through an incision that is in the abdomen. In radical
perineal prostatectomy, the prostate is removed through the
perineum, which is the area between the anus and the scrotum. In any
case, removal of the prostate is the goal and can cure up to 70
percent of patients if the disease is still contained within the
prostate.
Surgery such as this can cause nerve damage. |
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Some of the common complications include loss of
urinary control as well as the cause of impotence. Many men find
it difficult to ejaculate and hold an erection.
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Some medications can be used to help these
conditions. And, in some patients, a less drastic form of
surgery for prostate cancer can leave nerves unharmed.
Often, surgery will be accompanied with other treatments as
well. For example, many have found that hormonal treatments
prior to surgery can increase cure rates.
Other surgeries are also commonly used for individuals with
prostate cancer. For example, when the urethra is blocked by
the enlarged prostate, it may require a TURP procedure in
which the area of the prostate that is blocking will be cut
away. But, this procedure is usually only done with the
cancer is benign, and not a risk to the patient. Another
option that may be necessary is the removal of the testicles
to help keep the cancer under control and not growing. This
is done when the cancer has spread to other areas of the
body. |
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Surgeries for patients with prostate cancer are
carefully considered based on the risks involved. For
individuals that are at too much risk for prostate cancer
surgery other treatments may be used.
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