How the Various Stages of Prostate Cancer Are Treated

Cancer cells that form on the prostate gland grow slowly and can easily affect other parts of the body. For this reason, doctors ensure they discover the stages the growth is so that the right treatment can be provided for the patient.

Staging or grading for this type of cancer that affects only men is carried out through a system known as the Gleason Grading System. Through this system, various different patterns of the cancer cells taken after biopsy are investigated and scores are provided for each group.

That being said, there are about four stages of prostate cancer. Each of these stages has its peculiar features, and there are effective treatments suitable for each stage. The four stages of prostate cancer that can be diagnosed in a man are: Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV.

These stages determine treatments as they already embody the size, location, spread and aggressiveness of the cancer. what each stage looks like and the common treatments doctors prescribe for victims are described in the following paragraphs.

Treating Stage I Prostate Cancer – When cancer cells form in the prostate gland at this stage, the cells may still appear like normal prostate cells. The cancers are slow growing and most often do not show any significant symptoms that can be used to recognize it. Since cancerous cells in this stage are still localized and less aggressive, the following treatments can be applied to get rid of them completely: Radiation therapy, radical prostatectomy, and watchful waiting.

Treating Stage II Prostate Cancer – This stage would still have the cancers localized (that is, still forming within prostate cells). However, there could be slight change in their patterns or structure and certain symptoms may start to affect the person. Likewise, if treatments had already been applied on stage I cells and some affected cells still survive, then these are considered stage II. Similar treatment options as in stage I can still be applied to treat stage II but more precisely: Radical prostatectomy( to remove the prostate gland and pelvic lymph nodes), Brachytherapy and external beam radiation, Cryosurgery, or a combination of these treatments can work to deal with this stage of prostate cancer.

Treating Stage III Prostate Cancer – This stage indicates that the cancer could have spread beyond the prostate gland. In spite of this, organs like the lymph nodes, bladder, rectum, and other distant organs are not yet affected. The possible treatments for this stage may include: Radiation and surgery could be considered (since they may not be effective at this stage), Hormone therapy, watchful waiting (for older with no serious symptoms), radical prostatectomy in some areas, or a combination of radiation treatments and hormone therapy.

Treating Stage IV Prostate Cancer – This is the most dangerous stage of prostate cancer because major vital organs in the body are now affected by the cancer. The Lymph nodes, rectum, bladder, bones, and other distant organs are affected. The chances of this stage to get cured are very slim. However, the following treatments can be applied to relieve the symptoms: Hormone therapy, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), External beam radiation in combination of hormone therapy in certain areas, and chemotherapy.

Finally, understanding the stages of prostate cancer and the treatments for each would go a long way to help you get the best treatments. However, you need to know that some factors like age, risk or recurrence, life expectancy, can affect the choice of treatments the doctor may prescribe.

4 Major Side Effects of Advanced Prostate Cancer

Advanced Prostate Cancer is that cancer which has spread beyond the localized region of the prostate gland to other vital organs in the body. For individuals diagnosed with this stage of cancer, the prognosis is not often encouraging. This means that the chances of survival for such people are low. The dangers posed by advanced prostate cancer are complicated by the side effects experienced by the man who is diagnosed with this condition.

The side effects of advanced prostate cancer not only come from the disease but could also result from the various treatments applied. It is important that you get to understand some of these side effects so you know what to expect, how to deal with them, and how to cope with them when you undergo treatments. The following are highlights of four major side effects associated with advanced prostate cancer.

1 – Impotence – When you undergo treatments for advanced prostate cancer, there is the possibility that you are likely to become impotent. By this it means you are find it difficult to achieve or sustain erection. Hormone therapy is one the major treatments applied on those whose cancer level has become aggressive. The treatment is intended to reduce the testosterone levels in the body. The effect of this treatment could be impotence or erectile dysfunction. Surgical procedure to remove the testicles (orchiectomy) can also lead to impotence. In addition, some drugs taken as treatment for prostate cancer also lead to impotence.

2 – Infertility – This is related to the point above. However, this simply means the inability to fertilize the eggs of the woman for conception. Many men that have undergone prostate cancer treatment do face the issue of infertility or sterility. The treatments could have prevented ejaculation of semen that is necessary for fertility. However, some counter treatments can reverse this condition.

3 – Urinary Incontinence – Majority of the people that have undergone radiation therapy and surgical procedure as treatment for their cancer of the prostate may experience incontinence. This is a condition in which they are not able to control the flow of urine out of their body. The cause of this is often attributable to the damage the nerves or tissues controlling urine flow during the treatment.

4 – Weakening of Bones – When cancer of the prostate has spread in the body, it may attack the bones and result to what is known as bone metastases. The bones in the pelvic region and other parts would be susceptible to fracture and pains. When the bones begin to be affected in prostate cancer, the need for emergency measures becomes applicable.

These are four major side effects of advanced prostate cancer you ought to know. For each of these effects, there are treatments and remedies that can be applied to deal with it. Your doctor or urologist can help provide you with the best treatments and therapies to counter these side effects.  Medications, exercises, therapies, diet, and some other strategies can be recommended for you.

Stage IV Prostate Cancer Facts You Should Not Forget

If you have not had cause to worry about prostate cancer, then your perspective may change when you get to know how the stage IV prostate cancer affects the person. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with having cancer of the prostate, then you will need all information necessary.  The staging of the disease is invaluable information you don’t want to miss out. Here is an article that highlights the Facts about the stage IV prostate cancer you should not forget.

It is important to be reminded that of all cancer related diseases’ affecting the male population, cancer of the prostate is known to cause the deaths of many American men at a high rate. It only comes second to lung cancer. With this piece of news, it becomes possible to conclude that prostate cancer is an epidemic. This is quite alarming and men with risk factors should go for early screening to improve the chance of getting treated.

Prostate cancer is a slow kind of cancer and has been researched to affect men through four stages. The higher the stage, the severer becomes the symptoms. The stages include Stage I, II, III, and IV. The last stage is the most severe stage with life threatening symptoms. Facts on this most dangerous stage include:

The nature of stage IV prostate cancer

When a person is diagnosed of having stage 4 prostate cancer, it means that the cancer cells have spread from prostate gland to other vital organs in the body. These vital organs that could be affected include the nymph nodes, the bladder, the bones, kidneys, rectums, and other organs that are found in the lower abdomen. However, this stage can be classified in two ways namely: Localized Stage IV (D1) and Metastatic Stage IV (D2).In the first classification the spread is restricted to the nymph nodes and the ureters. The second classification shows that the spread of the cancerous cells is outside the pelvic region. The bones and other glands that are far from the prostate gland are now affected.

Symptoms of the stage 4 prostate cancer

The symptoms that men whose prostate cancer is being diagnosed to be stage IV include:

• There is blood in their urine
• There are severe  pains in the lower back and lower abdomen
• The person experiences weakness
• The person often experience nausea
• There are always difficulties with urination, etc.

Treating Stage IV prostate cancer

After tests, biopsies, and scans have confirmed that the individuals have prostate cancer, it becomes necessary to find the right treatment for the disease. Treatments are channeled based on the level of spread. The commonly applied treatment options include: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), Hormone Therapy, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy, etc.

Finally, with the effects of stage IV prostate cancer, it becomes necessary to go for early testing. If the cancer is treated early, you can improve your chance of survival.  Stage IV is an advanced stage and reduces the chances of survival.

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