Cancer

What is ADT? Androgens are hormones that promote male characteristics such as facial hair, sexual function and muscle mass. Testosterone is the main androgen. Prostate cancer cells need androgens to grow. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a type of treatment for prostate cancer that blocks the effects of androgens and can slow prostate cancer growth.  “Hormone therapy” is another name for ADT. This therapy affects the whole body rather than a particular area. ADT is usually given as pills or injections. In rare cases it can involve surgery to remove one or both of the testicles. ADT is used to slow the growth of prostate cancer and can also help manage some of the symptoms associated with advanced cancer. Cancer that has spread outside the prostate Recurrence of prostate cancer after another therapy has been used Men who are at high risk of experiencing cancer recurrence after surgery or radiation therapy What are androgens? Androgens are male sex...

occurs when a tumor develops in the , which makes the liquid portion of semen. that spreads outside the prostate gland to the lymph nodes, bones, or other areas is called . Currently, no treatments can cure advanced . However, there are ways to help control its spread and related symptoms. Treatments that slow the spread of advanced prostate cancer and relieve symptoms often cause  side effects.  Some patients, often those who are older, decide that the risk of side effects outweighs the benefits of treatment. These patients may choose not to treat their advanced prostate cancer. It's important to remember that researchers are always searching for new and better treatments that will cause fewer side effects, better disease control, and longer survival rates. Endocrine Therapy and Prostate Cancer Male hormones, specifically , fuel the growth of prostate . By reducing the amount and activity of testosterone, the growth of advanced prostate...

Laparoscopic Surgery The word means to look inside the with a special camera or scope. Surgery performed with the aid of these cameras is known as laparoscopic, keyhole, porthole, or minimally invasive surgery. Traditional surgery requires a long incision (cut) down the center of the abdomen and a lengthy recovery period. Laparoscopic surgery eliminates the need for this large incision. As a result, you may have less pain and scarring after surgery, faster recovery, and less risk of infection. Laparoscopy for removal is a common procedure. Men who undergo this technique have less loss, less need for pain , shorter hospital stays, quicker return to regular activities, early removal of urethral catheters (tubes inserted through the to drain urine from the ), and a quicker recovery. Robotic-assisted  is an increasingly popular surgery that is done through small incisions in the belly with robotic arms that translate the surgeon's hand mo...

is an operation to remove the and tissues surrounding it. This usually includes the seminal vesicles and some nearby lymph nodes. Radical prostatectomy can cure in men whose is limited to the prostate. Who Should Undergo Radical Prostatectomy? Men younger than age 75 with limited who are expected to live at least 10 more years tend to get the most benefit from radical prostatectomy. Before performing radical prostatectomy, doctors first try to establish that the prostate cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. The statistical risk of spread can be determined from tables comparing the results of a and . Further testing for spread, if needed, can include CT scans, bone scans, scans, and . If it appears that the prostate cancer has not spread, a surgeon (urologist) may first offer other options besides surgery. These can include , hormone therapy, or simply observing the prostate over time, since many prostate cancers grow slow...

Treatment overview In cancer care, different types of doctors—including medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists—often work together to create an overall treatment plan that may combine different type of treatments to treat the cancer. This is called a  multidisciplinary team . Cancer care teams include a variety of other health care professionals, such as palliative care experts, physician assistants, advanced nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, physical therapists, and others. Descriptions of the most common treatment options for prostate cancer are listed below. Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Your care plan may also include treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care. More information on the specific effects of surgery, chemoth...