Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it's often caught early.
If you have prostate cancer, you may be wondering if surgery is right for you. Surgery can help treat prostate cancer, but it can also lead to complications and side effects. Prostate cancer surgery has a high success rate, so it's important to understand all the risks and benefits before making your decision.
Here are four reasons why your doctor might suggest prostate cancer surgery.
1. Your Doctor Might Suggest Prostate Cancer Surgery If Your Prostate Gland Is Too Large
If your prostate gland is too large, it can cause problems with urination and make it difficult to pass urine out of your bladder. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If you have BPH, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the enlarged part of the prostate gland.
2. Your Doctor Might Suggest Prostate Cancer Surgery If You Have Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer means that cancer cells have spread from the prostate gland to other parts of your body. In this case, surgery is often used as a way of relieving symptoms caused by metastatic disease. For example, if you have bone metastases (cancer spread to the bone), removing them with surgery may help relieve bone pain or give you back control over your bladder again after an episode of incontinence.
3. Your Doctor Might Suggest Prostate Cancer Surgery If You're Symptoms Aren't Responding To Other Treatments
Hormonal therapies work by lowering testosterone levels in men with advanced prostate cancer. In some cases, these therapies don't work as well as expected — or they may cause unpleasant side effects like fatigue or hot flashes. If this happens while you're still having symptoms of prostate cancer, your doctor might recommend surgery as an additional treatment option.
4. Your Doctor Might Suggest Prostate Cancer Surgery If You Have A Large Tumour
If you have a large tumour that is blocking your urethra or causing urinary retention, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumour and restore your urinary function. This is called radical prostatectomy or prostate cancer surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon removes the prostate gland and seminal vesicles from your body.
It's important to understand the different treatment options available so you can make an informed decision about your care. Chat with your doctor about prostate cancer surgery and how it can affect your long-term health. For more information on prostate cancer surgery, contact a professional near you.
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