Prostate cancer is cancer that affects men with the development of a tumor in the prostate gland. Some cancers can grow slowly while others may grow aggressively, which has an impact on the treatment. The article explains some of the treatment methods for prostate cancer.

Active surveillance
One of the treatment methods for prostate cancer is not starting treatment immediately. This is known as active surveillance. When the tumor is very small, then immediate treatment is not needed. Treatment would be needed only if the tumor starts growing in size.

In such a case, the doctor would actively monitor the patient through regular physical examinations and by carrying out tests like prostate-specific antigen tests. Biopsies may also be taken to monitor cancer growth.

Surgery
If the tumor in the prostate cancer starts growing, then surgery is the treatment needed. The surgery may involve radical prostatectomy, which involves the removal of the prostate. This surgery may be done through an incision on the abdomen.

Along with the prostate, lymph nodes and surrounding tissues may be removed, if cancer has spread. There are risks like urinary continence that can occur when the prostate is removed.

Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy involves the use of radiation in the form of high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. This treatment method is used when cancer is low-grade or when the cancer is confined to the prostate and has not spread to other parts.

Radiation therapy can be given externally or internally. External radiation therapy is administered using a device that directs energy beams to the cancer cells. This is done in multiple sessions spanning many weeks.

Internal radiation therapy involves the use of a radioactive bead that is placed near the tumor. This emits energy beams to kill cancer cells.

Proton beam radiation is a type of radiation therapy where small particles are used to kill cancer cells in the prostate.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves treating cancer through medication that is given orally or through IV. These are powerful medications can kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used on its own or along with radiotherapy.

Hormone therapy
Hormones like testosterone that the body produces are used by cancer cells to grow. Hormone therapy ensures cancer cells do not get access to hormones. This prevents it from growing. The treatment blocks the working of hormones.

Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing cancer cells to kill them. The surgeon will use needles to deliver cold gases that can kill cancer cells.

Biological therapy
Biological therapy, also known as immunotherapy, involves using the immune system to fight cancer. In this method, immune cells are harvested from the body and genetically engineered in a lab. These cells are then injected back so these cells could kill the cancer cells. This is an expensive treatment.

The information on the treatment options for prostate cancer would have helped one understand how this disease is treated. The earlier it is detected, the better the treatment prognosis.