When anyone gets the news “you have cancer”, they naturally assume that it must be removed as soon as possible, and that that is the best course of action. Surprisingly though, in the cases of prostate cancer, sometimes watching and waiting is the best advice.
Here at Z Urology, we offer state-of-the-art treatments to address a wide range of urinary and prostate issues. We provide personalized care and individualized treatment plans in a caring, supportive environment.
While getting a prostate cancer diagnosis is quite scary, the statistics are hopeful. Almost 100% of men with localized (only in the prostate) and regional (cancer in the prostate and nearby structures or lymph nodes) prostate cancer survive for at least five years. In many cases, treatment or emergency treatments right away may not even be necessary.
The Stage of Prostate Cancer Determines the Treatment
Determining your cancer’s stage, if it has spread, and how far it has, is one of the biggest factors to consider in deciding on treatment. Factors used to figure out the stage include:
- Size or extent of the main tumor
- If it has spread to other areas in the body
- If it has spread to lymph nodes nearby
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level as determined by a blood test
Another assessment that helps stage the cancer is the Gleason score. It looks at how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope to help determine how quickly they could grow and spread.
Other Factors to Consider
The stage of cancer isn’t the only consideration when making treatment decisions. Other things one must consider is your age, overall health, and your personal preferences.
For example, if you have a slow-growing cancer and you’re older with other serious health problems, you might view prostate cancer as more of a chronic disease rather than something likely to lead to your death.
Men in this situation may choose to monitor the cancer instead of undergoing any treatments right away. This approach is usually considered when the tumor is small, only in the prostate, isn’t causing any symptoms, and is expected to grow slowly.
Men who are encouraged to undergo treatment are typically healthy, younger men, those with fast-growing cancer, or men whose cancer has spread outside the prostate.
Some treatments do have possible side effects, such as erection problems, incontinence, and bowel issues. Some men may choose to delay any treatments as long as possible to avoid these issues. Others may place their priorities on removing the cancer.
Making Your Own Decision About Prostate Cancer Treatment
Speaking with family and friends can help in the decision-making process. Although every man’s cancer diagnosis and recovery journey is different, discussing the pros and cons with other men who have been in the same situation may be helpful, too.
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, call one of our offices or book an appointment with Z Urology to discuss your options.
Having a urologist can help in your treatment of your prostate cancer diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, don’t delay. Instead, pick up the phone and call Z Urology, with offices in South Florida. Call today!
We provide state-of-the-art urologic care in the South Florida area with a focus on both male and female urology. Our practice specializes in all urologic procedures, specifically, minimally invasive methods. Our three locations to choose from are located in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Pompano Beach.
We at “Z” specialize in bladder issues, erectile dysfunction (ED), prostate issues, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, stone disease, male infertility, pyeloplasty, Peyronie’s disease, and ureteral reimplantation.
