The prostate gland, a component of the male reproductive system, located in the lower abdomen as shown in the images below. Around forty years old, this gland may begin to create problems with infections, enlargement, hardening, and other changes that cause discomfort and pain, especially when urinating. The most serious development can be cancer. This is detected with blood examinations where a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is analyzed and indexed. When it reads more than 3.0 it should be monitored by an urologist. Not controlling these signs could result in serious health problems, pain and ultimately causing death.
The American Medical Association has determined recently that men who develop cancer after the age of 60 should not try major corrections such as surgery. At that age this type of cancer will develop slowly and by the time it becomes dangerous, other diseases, organ failures or accidents will most likely cause the patient’s death.
Treatment options of prostate cancer with intent to cure are primarily surgery and radiation therapy. Depending on the clinical scenario and desired outcome, other alternatives are available such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, proton therapy, cryosurgery, and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The age and underlying health of the man, the extent of metastasis, and response of the cancer to initial treatment are important in determining the outcome of the disease. The decision whether or not to treat localized prostate cancer with curative procedure is a patient trade-off between the expected beneficial and harmful effects in terms of patient survival and quality of life.
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