How is localized prostate cancer treated?
There are three generally accepted options for treatment of patients with localized prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy and surveillance (also called watchful waiting). Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire prostate gland and nearby tissues. Sometimes lymph nodes in the pelvic area (the lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones) are also removed. Radical prostatectomy may be performed using a technique called nerve-sparing surgery that may prevent damage to the nerves needed for an erection and prevent damage to the opening of the bladder. Radiation therapy involves the delivery of radiation energy to the prostate. The energy is usually delivered in an outpatient setting using an external beam of radiation. The energy also can be delivered by placing radioactive seeds in the prostate during a surgical procedure.
There are three generally accepted options for treatment of patients with localized prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and surveillance (also called watchful waiting). Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire prostate gland and nearby tissues. Sometimes lymph nodes in the pelvic area (the lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones) are also removed. Radical prostatectomy may be performed using a technique called nerve-sparing surgery that may prevent damage to the nerves needed for an erection and prevent damage to the opening of the bladder. Radiation therapy involves the delivery of radiation energy to the prostate. The energy is usually delivered in an outpatient setting using an external beam of radiation. The energy can also be delivered by placing radioactive seeds in the prostate during a surgical procedure. Surveillance, a third option sometimes referred to as watchful waiting, is recommended by doctors for some pa
Three treatment options are generally accepted for men with localized prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and surveillance (also called watchful waiting). * Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire * prostate gland and nearby tissues. Sometimes lymph nodes in the pelvic * area (the lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones) * are also removed. Radical prostatectomy may be performed using a * technique called nerve-sparing surgery that may prevent damage to the * nerves needed for an erection. * Radiation therapy involves the delivery of radiation energy to the * prostate. The energy is usually delivered in an outpatient setting * using an external beam of radiation. The energy can also be delivered * by implanting radioactive seeds in the prostate using a needle. * Surveillance, taking a wait-and-see approach, may be recommended for * patients with early-stage prostate cancer, particularly those who are * older or have oth
