Stage 2 Prostate Cancer Treatments
Stage 2 prostate cancer is more advanced than stage 1 prostate cancer, but has not spread outside the prostate. Stage 2 prostate cancer is also referred to as stage A1, stage B1 or stage B2 prostate cancer. Unlike stage 1 prostate cancers, stage 2 prostate cancers are not treated with surgery or radiation since the cancer is more likely to spread beyond the prostate and cause symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for treating stage 2 prostate cancer. They include:
Watchful Watching
As with stage 1, watchful waiting can be a treatment option for stage 2 prostate cancers, if the cancer isn't causing any symptoms and is growing slowly. PSA tests detect the cancer at early stages and therefore many men choose this option. This treatment option includes performing regular blood tests and rectal exams in order to know the progression of cancer. Watchful waiting doesn't require any other medical treatment. It is a best treatment option for elderly or have serious health problems.
Radical Prostatectomy
Radical Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of prostate cancer and the surrounding tissue. This treatment option is used to treat only the early stages of prostate cancer. Retropubic surgery and perineal surgery are the two types of surgical approaches available for prostatectomy. The patient is given general or local anesthesia before the surgery.
- Retropubic surgery: In this approach, an incision is made in the lower abdomen. The prostate gland, surrounding tissue, and pelvic lymph nodes (if required) can be removed through this incision. This approach is commonly used for removing prostate since it gives the surgeon a good access to the prostate, which helps them to save the nerves responsible for erections and functioning of bladder.
- Perineal surgery: In this approach, an incision is made between the anus and scrotum. This approach is not preferred, as the surgeon is not able to remove lymph nodes. This surgery requires less time than retropubic surgery. The recovery time is short and bleeding is less.
Hormone Treatment
Hormone Treatment is generally followed by radical prostatectomy and is considered to be more effective in treating early stage prostate cancers. It involves removing, adding or blocking the hormones. It stops the production of testosterone and other related hormones responsible for cell growth. For more information on hormone treatment see our Hormone treatment for prostate cancer article.
External Beam Radiation Treatment
External beam radiation treatment uses a machine to deliver high frequency X-rays to kill the cancer cells. It kills the cancerous cells effectively but sometimes damage adjacent tissues. The treatment is done on outpatient basis and is performed five days a week for about eight weeks. For further information on external beam radiation treatment see our External radiation treatment for prostate cancer article.
Brachytherapy or Seed Implantation Treatment
Brachytherapy treatment involves implantation of seeds into prostate gland. These seeds are implanted into prostate gland with the help of ultra-thin needles. They emit high frequency radiation and kill the nearby cancerous cells. Brachytherapy is performed on outpatient basis under general anesthesia. For further information on Brachytherapy see our Radiation pellets treatment for prostate cancer article.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Treatment
High intensity focused ultrasound treatment is used to treat prostate cancers that have recurred after other treatments. It uses high frequency ultrasound beam to kill cancerous cells. It is done on outpatient basis and under a spinal anesthesia. For further information on High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment see our Ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer article.
Cryotherapy or Freezing Treatment
Cryotherapy is the best treatment option for the people with stage 2 prostate cancers. This treatment kills the cancer cells by freezing the prostate gland with the help of thin needles, which produce ice balls. It is done on outpatient basis under local or regional anesthesia. For further information on Cryotherapy see our Freezing treatment for prostate cancer article.
These were some of the stage 2 prostate cancer treatments. Each treatment has some side effects. See which side effects are comfortable to deal with and choose an appropriate prostate cancer treatment for you.