According to the American Cancer Society, about one man in nine will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Although prostate cancer develops mainly in older men with an average age of around 66, it is important for all men to monitor their prostate health.
However, given that early-stage prostate cancer has no symptoms and is usually detected through a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening or DRE (digital rectal exam), knowing the later-stage symptoms of the disease can be crucial to receiving timely and appropriate treatment. These symptoms may range from mild to severe and include:
- Frequent urination
- A weak or interrupted flow of urine or the need to strain to empty your bladder
- The urge to urinate frequently throughout the night
- Blood in your urine
- An onset of erectile dysfunction
- Painful or burning urination
- Discomfort when sitting due to an enlarged prostate
- Bone pain in the back, hips, or thighs
- Swelling or a buildup of fluid in the legs or feet
- Chronic fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- A change in bowel habits
While these symptoms may not necessarily be related to prostate cancer, it is best to err on the side of caution and consult your doctor. That way, if cancer is diagnosed, appropriate steps can be taken to treat it as promptly and effectively as possible.
A standard treatment option frequently used to address prostate cancer is external beam radiation therapy. However, conventional radiation treatment can be a taxing and painful experience with potential side effects that include bowel and/or urinary dysfunction, skin irritation, fatigue and impotence. Fortunately, there is a much safer, more comfortable, yet highly effective alternative called CyberKnife® radio-therapy.
Unlike conventional radiation, the CyberKnife system, aka the Beam of Life, is a non-invasive, pain-free course of treatment that uses a robotic arm to deliver precise, high doses of radiation to a tumor without affecting any surrounding tissue or organs. In fact, the CyberKnife system is so accurate that it makes immediate adjustments to the slightest body movement, such as breathing, to keep the radiation beams focused on its target with sub-millimeter accuracy, thus preventing any unnecessary damage to healthy tissue.
This simple and relaxing procedure is overseen by a team of highly trained radiation oncologists, surgeons, medical physicists and radiation therapists and only requires a handful of sessions, instead of the 25-to-45 treatments often necessary with low doses of conventional radiation therapy. These sessions only last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of tumor. Best of all, there are few, if any side effects with the CyberKnife system and no recovery time, leaving you free to resume your normal activities following your treatment sessions.
If you must undergo cancer treatment, trust your care to the best. CyberKnife radiotherapy offers many benefits that other prostate cancer treatments cannot. To learn more about this revolutionary alternative to conventional radiation treatment, contact us today at the CyberKnife Center of Miami. Call us at (305) 279-2900 to schedule a consultation, or simply fill out our online appointment request form and visit us online www.prostatecancertreatmentmiami.com