According to Miami urologist Dr. George Suarez, prostate cancer is the #1 type of cancers among men in the U.S. today. But with early detection, the chances of successful treatment of the disease are very good.
By undergoing regular screenings – including urine and blood tests – your Miami urologist will be more likely to detect the cancer at a treatable stage. The decrease in the mortality rate for prostate cancer has been accredited to the fact that more men are now undergoing regular testing.
Following are some of the most common questions your Miami urologist is asked regarding prostate cancer.
Question: Do all patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer require treatment?
Answer: Not necessarily – treatment depends on the stage, Gleason score, tumor (cancer) volume and the patient’s age and overall health.
Question: What are the patient’s treatment options for prostate cancer?
Answer: The standard options are:
- Watchful waiting (also known as active surveillance);
- Surgical removal of the prostate;
- Radiation therapy;
- Brachytherapy (radioactive seeds);
- Cryotherapy;
- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).
Hormone therapy is typically reserved for advanced cases with bone metastasis or that have not responded to other treatments.
Question: What makes HIFU so popular on a global scale?
Answer: The popularity is based on effectiveness, successful outcomes and diminished risk of adverse effects associated with other therapies.
Question: Why is there no single recommended treatment for prostate cancer? Answer: Because there are a number of treatment options and most treatments are associated with outcomes that are often worse than the cancer itself. And often the suggestions of an urologist is prejudiced by his/her specialty.
Question: Can HIFU be used to treat recurrent prostate cancer that has not responded to prior treatment?
Answer: Yes, HIFU can treat prostate cancer that has reoccurred after other forms of therapy have failed to produce results. Furthermore, HIFU represents the ideal optional treatment to the alternative option of hormone therapy.
If you have not been tested for prostate cancer recently – or would like more information regarding the HIFU procedure – call the office of best Miami urologist Dr. George Suarez today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Remember – early detection is key!
