4 Advantages of Prostate Cancer Surgery

There are many types of prostate cancer treatment, including surgery and radiation. Prostate cancer surgery is not suitable for every prostate cancer case, but it can be helpful in a large number of situations. Here are some of the benefits of prostate cancer surgery.

1. Prostate Cancer Surgery Can Cure Local Cancers

If your prostate cancer is present only in the prostate and has not yet spread beyond it, then it is possible for prostate cancer surgery to cure it completely. Although there are side effects and risks associated with the surgery, along with a recovery period, the benefits can be worth it if having the surgery means being cancer-free. Be sure to speak to your doctor about all of the potential risks and benefits so that you can make a fully informed decision.

2. Prostate Cancer Surgery Can Help to Treat Advanced Cancers

Unfortunately, many cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed only once they become advanced and start to spread beyond the prostate to affect other nearby parts of the body. Even in this situation, prostate cancer surgery can be helpful. Removing the primary cancer in the prostate can make it easier to cure or keep the cancer under control using other treatments.

3. Prostate Cancer Surgery Can Combine With Other Treatments

You do not need to choose between prostate cancer surgery and other types of cancer treatment. Doctors often use a range of treatments in combination to keep prostate cancer treatment from spreading or send it into remission.

Treatments that you can use in combination with prostate cancer surgery include radiotherapy, hormonal therapy or chemotherapy. Your doctor might recommend one or more of these treatments in addition to surgery or might instead recommend that you just have the surgery for now. If the cancer comes back, these additional treatments remain options for fighting it.

4. Prostate Cancer Surgery Can Improve Urinary Symptoms

Many people have symptoms such as urinary urgency or frequent urination as a result of their prostate cancer. Sometimes, prostate cancer surgery can improve these symptoms. You would usually notice the improvement after you have fully recovered from the surgery. During the recovery period, you might need to use a catheter for urination, but this is typically temporary. To find out how prostate cancer surgery is likely to affect your urinary symptoms, speak to your doctor who can give you information relevant to your individual case.