Cancer Center - Video Introduction

The possible treatments are watchful waiting, surgical removal of the prostate, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. The earlier you find the tumor, the more options for treatment that you have. You should be aware that there are no clear rules about the best way to treat prostate cancer. You and your doctor need to choose your treatment based on your personal needs. You should consider the size of your tumor, your PSA level, how abnormal the cells are, the speed of your tumor’s growth, your age, your general health, and your feelings about the treatment side effects.

Some prostate cancers grow slowly and some grow very quickly. Currently, it is impossible for doctors to tell how fast the tumor is growing just by examining the cells. Research is underway that will someday help doctors to know which cancers will grow rapidly and need treatment and which cancers will grow slowly and can be watched. Since treatment decisions are not simple, it is a good idea to get a second or even a third doctor’s opinion. Let’s talk a bit about your choices.