Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 9 November 2015

Dealing with prostrate cancer can be challenging, especially when you are faced with choosing the best and most effective treatment for it. For many men, being diagnosed with prostrate cancer can seem like a punishment and end of life sentence. However, you should know that modern medicine offers excellent treatment for prostrate cancer, some that include surgery while some do not. Learn how you can benefit from high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for prostrate cancer.

What Happens During A HIFU Procedure?

During a HIFU procedure, a special probe that produces high levels of heat through high frequency ultrasound, sound waves, is placed in your rectum. Guided using advanced computer imaging, the probe is placed in a position that will allow the focus to be on the affected part of your prostrate. High heat produced by ultrasound has been found to destroy cancer cells. Patients report minimal discomfort during a HIFU procedure. Also, most HIFU procedures do not require you to remain overnight in the hospital.

The Side Effects Of Invasive Cancer Treatments

Loss of bladder control and erectile dysfunction are common side effects of radiation and invasive surgical treatments for prostrate cancer. In some patients, especially those that have already gone through radiation and surgery, HIFU can cause urinary issues and erectile dysfunction. However, in most cases, the damage already done to the prostrate before HIFU is performed in the ultimate cause. For this reason, many men are opting to try HIFU as their first treatment option. Eradicating cancer tissue in your prostrate without harming surrounding healthy tissue is possible using HIFU. If you worry about side effects of HIFU, talk to your doctor for learning more about how it could affect you.

Are You A Good Candidate For HIFU?

HIFU is most effective for treating prostrate cancer in its early stages. If cancer has metastasized to areas outside of the prostrate, other treatments are recommended. If you have been found a high risk for treatments like radiation or surgery, your physician may suggest HIFU as your best option for treatment as well. However, in most cases, a man in the earliest stages of prostrate cancer can experience the greatest level of cancer eradication from HIFU.

Recovering From Your HIFU Treatments

You may see blood or mucus in your urine during the first weeks of recovery after a HIFU procedure. You may also experience frequent urges to urinate as well. Most patients wear a urinary catheter for a few weeks after their HIFU procedure for decreasing urinary urges and discomfort for promoting faster healing.

Learning about all your options for prostrate cancer treatment is best, especially if you have just received your diagnosis. By maintaining your good health throughout any cancer treatment and by catching it it in its early stages, you have a great chance of beating it and becoming a successful, healthy cancer survivor.

For more information, contact International HIFU or a similar organization.