Prostate Cancer A Look at Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical options for prostate cancer are available these days so that drastic measures need not be taken immediately. One of these non-surgical options is hormonal therapy. Although many urologists do not believe in these claims, there are still some people who have found a cure in this type of therapy. Hormonal therapy works because the amount of testosterone in the blood is reduced. It is this male hormone that prostate cancer actually thrives on.
There are a number of drugs that are seen as non-surgical options for prostate cancer too. DES or disthistibestrol is almost the same as estrogen. It is used to reduce the symptoms of this dreaded disease. However, for men, it will definitely reduce their sex drive too. In some cases, there may even be thinning beards and breast enlargement for men because of the introduction of this hormone to their system in larger amounts than normal.
Another non-surgical option for prostate cancer is LH-RH Agonists (Leuprolide and Goserelin). This hormone acts as a regulator of testosterone into the blood of the patient. It is a synthetic pituitary hormone which causes a decline in testosterone levels. This in turn will reduce the size of the tumor. When it comes to side effects, they are less damaging since men may only experience headaches and hot flashes. However, there have also been some reported cases wherein this drug caused impotence. This drug is given to patients usually through injections and in some cases, implant pellets.
Immunotherapy is another non-surgical option for prostate cancer. This type of therapy helps you build a barrier against dreaded diseases. Together with chemotherapy, some patients have successfully fought off and conquered cancer. You can also supplement this with more natural cures and herbs as you see fit.
The combined treatment of radiation and hyperthermia as non-surgical options for prostate cancer is still in its early ages. But this combination is what works better than either one of them alone. Cells that have been infected with cancer are killed off through this process. Its difference with chemotherapy is that it does not also kill the healthier cells in your body.
As with all kinds of treatment, you should consult with your doctor first before deciding to go with any of these non-surgical options for prostate cancer.
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