Some prostate cancers are so slow-growing that no treatment is needed. Instead, a policy of watchful waiting is employed. This involves regular check-ups to monitor the disease and check for any change in condition. When more active treatment is required, there are currently four main options:
Surgery
The entire prostate gland is removed in an operation called a prostatectomy.
Radiotherapy
High energy rays are used to destroy the cancer cells.
Hormone Treatment
Drugs can be used to lower the level of testosterone in the blood, which has the effect of slowing or stopping the growth of the cancerous tumour. However, some prostate tumours develop the ability to grow without testosterone.
Brachytherapy
A treatment where radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the tumour.
