Overview Of Prostate Cancer

Treatment

Catching prostate cancer in its early stages is the best way to treat the disease. Thus, most doctors will recommend regular cancer screenings, not just for prostate cancer, particularly for patients over fifty and for those at an increased risk (e.g., those with a family history of cancer). A doctor may refer their patient to a urologist if signs of prostate cancer are present. Once diagnosed with prostate cancer, the urologist will often send the patient to an oncologist to begin radiation therapy. A biopsy may also be necessary to determine the grade of cancer present. Other tests doctors may perform include bone scans, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans.

These tests help doctors determine how to proceed with treatment, which typically includes elements such as radiation therapy, hormone therapy, surgery, freezing prostate cancer, chemotherapy, catheters, and biological therapy. Patients will often also be taking specific medication to help treat their cancer. Doctors will also regularly revisit the tests they previously performed and test patients regularly to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and the progression (or lack thereof) of the disease.