Jul
19
Is Prostate Cancer Surgery Successful?
Filed Under General
Many men suffer from prostate cancer. In the deaths of all men, 3% were linked to it. When cancer of the prostate is diagnosed, there are three general treatment procedures that can be followed, radiation, surgery and “wait and see”.
Prostate cancer is generally detected through digital examination by a physician and Prostate Specific Antigen testing. A urine sample is taken and used in the PSA testing. If cancer is detected, it must be determined whether the cancer is contained inside the prostate or has spread. It is a slow growing cancer, which allows time for evaluation of the cancer and contemplation of treatment options.
A surgical procedure called a radical prostatectomy removes the prostate gland and the nearby lymph nodes. This procedure is preformed under general anesthesia and a catheter is inserted into the urethra following surgery to pass urine until the area around the prostate heals.
Short term risks of a radical prostatectomy are low. Subsequent to surgery a 2 -03 day stay in the hospital is generally required. The catheter will remain in the urethra for 2 - 3 weeks. Most men are able to return to work after approximately 4 weeks. Full bladder control is regained within a few weeks to a few months.
Early determination of prostate cancer is vital in both the success of surgery and the resultant post surgical complications. If a cancer is detected in the early stages where the cancerous cells are contained within the prostate, complications from surgery are minimized. When the cancer is contained within the prostate, the surgeon will be able to remove only the prostate and will not have to remove nerves that help control and maintain an erection.
A radical prostatectomy in most cases guarantees that all of the cancer is removed from the patient. Since cancer of the prostate is very slow growing, success rates are very high in cancer removal in this type of surgery. Complications do exist with this type of surgery as complications exist with any type of surgery. Extended follow up examinations should be included with any prostate surgery to insure that the cancer does not reoccur.
Prostate Gland Cancer provides articles and resources on the prostate. Check out the latest article at Prostate Gland Online
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Alan_Jenks
Author: Dr. Alan Jenks
Uncover What You Must Know About Prostate Cancer, And What YOU Can Do NOW To Reduce Your Risk And Be Healthy. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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