As the most common type of cancer for men on a global scale, prostate cancer remains one of the top chronic diseases in the Western World. It is estimated by The Prostate Cancer Foundation that one in six men will be affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime. In 2012, the National Cancer Institute estimated that 2,795,592 men in The United States were living with prostate cancer.
Fortunately, prostate cancer grows slowly, making it a less serious type of cancer. Only one in 36 men will actually die from prostate cancer and 99 percent of men with the most common types of the cancer will survive more than five years after being diagnosed.
Along with well-known treatments like careful monitoring, surgery, and chemotherapy, prostate cancer patients have several treatments to consider and choose from:
High intensity focused ultrasound: A high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment produces sound waves that deliver heat energy to kill cancer cells. HIFU can be used to treat cancer that has just been diagnosed or for cancer that has returned to the prostate after previous treatment. This treatment is minimally invasive, has minimal side effects, and does not require frequent hospital stays.
Another benefit of HIFU is it is radiation free and unlike radiotherapy rays, the ultrasound waves are harmless. HIFU medical devices allow for personalized treatment that takes the anatomy of the prostate into account, as well as the patient’s own preferences and any previous treatments.
MRI-guided focal laser treatment: Focal laser ablation treatment uses highly targeted heat to eradicate cancerous tumors within the prostate. During this procedure, the laser is positioned within the tumor and heats the area to kill cancer cells. Laser treatment for lowers the risk of side-effects like urinary incontinence, impotence, and decreased bowel function.
A laser treatment for prostate cancer is minimally invasive and does not limit the option for radiation therapy or future surgery. It’s also a great option if you want an outpatient procedure with quick recovery time.
As you’re considering treatments for prostate cancer, remember that treatment success and eligibility depends on various factors, including: age, health, lifestyle, the seriousness of the cancer, your opinion, your doctor’s opinion, side effects, and the likelihood of the treatment’s success.
Dr. George Suarez is one of World’s top HIFU experts, a board-certified urologist, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Suarez has performed more successful HIFU procedures than any other doctor in the world, treating over 2,000 patients.
If you have been considering a HIFU treatment for prostate cancer, learn more about Dr. Suarez and the Prostate Cancer Institute at hifumedicalexpert.com/about.
