Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and encircling the urethra. Treatment options for prostate cancer vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Surveillance

Many low grade (GG1 or Gleason Score 6) prostate cancers can be monitored with periodic exams, MRIs, and prostate biopsies. Many of these cancers are extremely slow growing and likely lack the biologic capacity to spread outside the prostate.

Surgery

Prostatectomy, or surgical removal of the prostate, is typically performed through a robotic approach with zero to one day hospital stay. Side effects of surgery include incontinence (leakage of urine) and erectile dysfunction. You should expect to have a catheter for up to a week after surgery. 

Brachytherapy Seeds

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that is delivered directly to the prostate using small radioactive seeds. These seeds give off radiation for a period of time and then lose their radioactivity. This procedure is usually recommended for men with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer. The recovery time is typically shorter than surgery but it may result in significantly worsening prostate emptying symptoms.

External Radiation Therapy

Radiation delivered from the outside in another option for treating prostate cancer. This involves using high-energy beams of radiation to target the cancerous cells, and it can be delivered in a number of ways depending on the specifics of your cancer. This is a great option for men who are not healthy enough for surgery or who have concerns regarding the side effects of surgery. Radiation can lead to its own issues, however. Bowel and bladder irritation are not uncommon and pre-existing urinary symptoms may worsen with time after radiation. SpaceOAR may help reduce these symptoms if placed prior to treatment.

SBRT or Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is a form of external radiation therapy that delivers high levels of radiation over a much shorter period of time. This allows you to complete your radiation course in only 5 treatments. Dr. Ebel works with his radiation oncology colleagues in Findlay, OH to offer SBRT. Not all men qualify for SBRT. Please set up a consultation to see if this option is right for you.

It's important to consider the quality of life impacts of the treatments when making your cancer choices. Dr. Ebel and his team are well trained to counsel you on the variety of choices available.  Reach out to our office to set up an appointment today!

Contact us to set up an appointment today at Dr. Ebel's Findlay, Ohio based practice.