Some studies have shown that prostate cancer is the type of cancer which grows slowly and difficult to diagnose. The risk of having prostate cancer is increased when men are over fifty years of age. One of the early symptoms prostate cancer is the enlargement of prostate, which can be detected manually by the physician. However, prostate enlargement does not always lead to prostate cancer. Prostate enlargement might also be caused by other urinary problems. Another way of detecting prostate cancer is by having a blood test. If the doctor suspects that the patient has prostate cancer, he or she might ask for an ultrasound test. If the result confirms that the patient has prostate cancer, he might need to undergo a surgery.
There are many different types of prostate cancer surgery to remove prostate gland. The common prostate cancer surgery is the radical retropubic prostatectomy. In this type of surgery, prostate gland will be removed through a little cut in the abdomen. Based on the early symptoms prostate cancer and the test result, the doctor will be able to advise the patient on which treatment need to be taken.
Beside radical retropubic prostatectomy, another type of prostate cancer surgery is known as perineal prostatectomy. In this type of surgery, the cancer will be removed via the perineum. There is also another type of surgery, called laparoscopic surgery.
Which type of surgery that need to be done will depend on the stage of the cancer, the early symptoms prostate cancer and how far that the cancer has spread. If the cancer has affected the surrounding nerves, the surgery will be more complicated.
Prostate cancer surgery may cause some side effects, such as impotence or incontinence. Therefore, it is suggested to discuss with the doctor about all of the options available before undergoing a prostate cancer treatment.
Besides surgery, radiation therapy can also be an option to treat prostate cancer. One important thing to know about prostate cancer treatment, the chance of success in removing prostate cancer is high if the cancer is discovered at the early stage. Hence, regular medical check is strongly advised for the men over fifty years of age.
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