A Second Opinion Can Help You Choose Your Prostate Treatment
When making a major medical decision, you should consider seeking a second opinion to make sure that you are making the right decision. While a second opinion may not cause you to make a different choice, it can help you feel confident that you made the right decision.
Reasons to Seek a Second Opinion
One of the most common reasons for seeking a second opinion is to learn more about the disease. Another reason to seek a second opinion is to consider another treatment option. Even if you ultimately go with the same treatment option, having the peace of mind in knowing you have made an informed decision can be worth the visit.
Most men are diagnosed with prostate cancer when the mass is very small and is still treatable. There are several treatment options available, and the best option to select is based on your priorities. For instance, if your concern is more about destroying the cancer, your best treatment option will be different from someone who is more concerned about minimizing symptoms.
Factors That May Influence Your Decision
You may decide to avoid major chemotherapy or surgery depending on your age. If it is unlikely that your prostate cancer will lead to the end of your life, there is less reason to choose a treatment that will cause side effects and that may come with risk factors.
The younger you are, the more likely that you will want to consider treatment options that will end prostate cancer. Each treatment has roughly the same cure rate, so the option you choose is based on the side effects.
Internal Radiation Therapy
A surgeon places a tiny radioactive pellet nearby the prostate. The pellet releases a low dosage of radiation. After the prostate tumor has disappeared, a surgeon removes the pellet.
Chemotherapy
Your doctor prescribes anti-cancer drugs that are injected or taken orally. This treatment option is best for when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
Cryosurgery
A surgeon injects a needle that inserts very cold gases that freeze and destroy the prostate. This treatment is best for those who are in the early stages of prostate cancer.
Surgery
Often, a trained surgeon uses a robotic surgical system to remove the prostate tumor. This is only suitable for patients who are young and healthy.
Each of these treatment options should be discussed with your doctor to determine the best option. If you are unsure of which treatment option is best for you, consider seeking a prostate cancer second opinion .
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