Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Once prostate cancer has been diagnosed, we discuss all the various options with the patient and their family. This would include surgery, radiation, hormone treatments, or watchful waiting.
How fast can prostate cancer spread?
Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing tumour. It many grow slowly over many years and then spread over a short period of time.
How do I choose the right prostate doctor and treatment center?
Generally, it's a good idea for the patient to speak to their own family physician in guiding them as to a prostate cancer expert. Depending on the sort of treatment that the individual is going to have, such as surgery or radiation, they may want to seek care at a particular facility that is particularly expert in that area of treatment.
Why would my doctor take a watch and wait approach to my prostate cancer?
If an individual is older and has a number of health risks that put him at risk for any sort of treatment, or if there is minimum disease, he may choose to have a 'watch and wait' approach. Generally, a watch and wait approach requires frequent visits to the urologist, with rectal examinations, and sometimes additional PSA studies. In some cases, we also would repeat a biopsy at specified timing.
What is 'adjuvant therapy'?
Adjuvant therapy involves additional treatment beyond primary therapy to treat or cure the prostate cancer. This could include radiation or hormones, for example.
