Prostate Cancer Treatment in Houston, Texas

Prostate cancer is one of the most unique and common cancers among men after skin cancer. Unlike other tumors that spread to other body parts, this cancer does not spread. The symptoms of prostate cancer may hide for several years and grow very slowly. Detection of this cancer in the late stage may result in a patient’s death.

A PSA test or DRE in men who have other diseases but no symptoms of prostate cancer can be found through this screening. Often, symptoms like blood in the seminal fluid, frequent urination, discomfort while sitting, erectile dysfunction, pain and burning are only seen in late stage prostate cancer.

The doctors identify the location in which the cancer starts by differentiating squamous cells from that of the normal cells.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

The stage of prostate cancer is based on the following tests performed:

Prostate biopsy results
PSA level in the blood during diagnosis
Any other disease or result seen after the tests like x-rays and bone scene.

Stage I: The tumor may or may not be seen with an imaging test such as transrectal ultrasound. If it is, then it is only visible in one side of the prostate.

Stage II: The cancer if not seen during the first stage will be visible in the second stage. It will be visible by the digital rectal exam.

Stage III: The tumor can be seen in both the sides of the prostate but does not yet spread outside of the prostate.

Stage IV: The cancer may or may not grow towards the nearby surroundings such as the seminal vesicles, urethral sphincter, rectum and pelvis.

The factors like urinary, bowel, sexual and hormonal effects are carefully examined in determining a suitable treatment for the patient suffering from the disease. The doctor’s active surveillance over a period of time if the cancer is in the beginning stages with treatment being left for the advanced stages.

Chemotherapy is mainly performed when the prostate cancer has spread to the other body parts around the prostate such as the rectum or pelvis of if the hormone therapy fails. The drugs that are mainly used for chemotherapy treatment include: docataxel, estramustine, mitoxantrone and cabazitaxel. These drugs are given through the vein which is known as the intravenous system or orally by mouth. These drugs are given one at a time or in combination depending on the health conditions and dosage. The chemotherapy is given in cycles with each cycle lasting for a few weeks.

Hair loss, loss of sexual desire, diarrhea, weight loss, erectile dysfunction, depression, sweating and osteopenia are some of the major side effects seen after the chemotherapy. The process may or may not be successful depending on the patient’s capacity and health conditions

Chemotherapy is mainly performed when the prostate cancer has spread to the other body parts around the prostate such as the rectum or pelvis and also if the hormone therapy fails. The drugs that are mainly used for the treatment include: docataxel, estramustine, mitoxantrone and cabazitaxel. These drugs are given through vein which is also known as the intravenous system or by mouth, which is orally. These are given one at a time or more than one depending on the health conditions and dosage. The chemo is given in cycles and each cycle lasts for a few weeks.

Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer