What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer Treatment

George Suarez
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

A prostate cancer diagnosis can be unbelievably terrifying for most men, but it isn’t a reason to panic. Information is the number one enemy of any type of cancer. If you have been diagnosed with the disease, you are probably wondering if prostate cancer HIFU treatment is right for you. While you should discuss all treatment options with your physician, you should know a few things about this non-invasive treatment strategy.

What is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment?

HIFU treatment uses ultrasound technology to target your tumor with sound waves. When it is successful, heat from the waves destroys cancer cells. Instead of surgery, a physician inserts a probe into your rectum. While that sounds uncomfortable and awkward, the procedure is significantly less invasive than other types of cancer treatment. In fact, in many cases, a physician can complete the procedure in an out-patient setting.

Who Is a Good Candidate for HIFU Treatment?

The choice of whether you should pursue HIFU prostate cancer treatment is a personal decision you should make after speaking with your physician. Nonetheless, you might know whether you are a good candidate for the procedure by consider a couple things. First, you probably aren’t eligible for HIFU if your cancer has spread beyond your prostate. Also, you might use HIFU to treat returning cancer cells following prior radiation or chemotherapy. Remember, there are exceptions to these eligibility provisions, so be sure you talk to you physician about all your treatment options.

Where Can You Get HIFU Treatment?

Because it requires special machinery, HIFU is not available at every medical facility. If you want to pursue the treatment option, look for a physician that specializes in it. Often, these physicians have private offices and admitting privileges at hospitals. As such, initial consultations might be away from the medical facility where the ultrasound procedure takes place. On the day of your ultrasound, you visit the medical facility, generally as temporary patient. Then, follow up visits occur at the physician’s office. Of course, each physician handles prostate cancer treatment different, so be sure to check on locations, schedules, and other logistical matters before you decide to undergo HIFU treatment.

Prostate cancer HIFU treatment is a good option for many men battling the disease. Be sure to discuss all options with your oncologist before you decide to pursue HIFU for prostate cancer treatment. Then, armed with as much information as possible, you can battle the disease with strength and confidence. Remember, for most men, there is a positive resolution to the diagnosis.

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