If your physician determines that your cancer is confined to the prostate gland they may recommend surgery. In a radical prostatectomy your surgeon will make a small incision or cut in order to gain access to your prostate. The prostate gland and a small amount of the surrounding tissue will be removed. You may be under general anesthesia (asleep) or you may be given medicine to numb the lower half of your body. The average hospital stay is several days and you should expect to spend 4-6 weeks away from work. After your surgery you will require a catheter for 1-3 weeks to allow you to urinate comfortably while you heal. The catheter will be removed at a follow-up appointment.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy also called robotic assisted prostatectomy has been gaining in popularity in some areas. The surgeon sits at a computer screen away from the patient and controls robotic arms that cut away the prostate through many small incisions or cuts. There is little difference to the patient in terms of the surgical experience however the recovery times may be slightly less. The most important factor should you choose this form of treatment is the experience of your physician using this equipment. You should understand how many procedures your physician has performed prior to agreeing to this treatment path.

With either of the above approaches you should carefully weigh the risks of surgery as a treatment option. As with all major surgical procedures, there is a risk associated with the use of anesthesia, as well as a risk of heart attack or stroke, bleeding problems or infection as a result of the surgery. The major side effects of surgical removal of the prostate are incontinence (loss of control of urination) and impotence (in ability to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for sex). Since the nerves for bladder and sexual function run close to the prostate there is a risk of damaging one or both of these nerves. This damage is often permenant.

Two forms of radiation therapy are available for the treatment of prostate cancer, internal or external. Both forms of radiation therapy employ a form of radiation to kill the cancer or shrink the tumor that is similar to an x-ray. External radiation therapy, also referred to as EBRT (external beam radiation therapy) and IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) target the cancer from outside the body. Radiation therapy may be used along or in conjunction with the surgical removal of the prostate in order to remove any potential traces of cancer from the surrounding tissue. Radiation therapy, radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy have similar cure rates for early stage prostate cancer.

If you are considering external radiation as a form of treatment for prostate cancer you may want to consider the time commitment to treatment. While each treatment only lasts for approximately five minutes, these treatments are typically given 5 days a week over the course of 7 – 9 weeks. Possible side-effects to consider are bowel problems which are present in 10% – 20% of men and tend to dissipate over time, bladder problems or the need to urinate more frequently, impotence is roughly equivalent to that of surgery, lymphedema or fluid build up in the groin and legs, and a general feeling of tired for a few months after your treatment is concluded.

Since prostate cancer can be slow growing your doctor may suggest watchful waiting as one way to manage your cancer. Typically suggested for older men or those with more complex health problems watchful waiting includes frequent visits to your physician. They may perform regular PSA tests, rectal exams, and ultrasounds to see if the cancer is growing. It is important to note that not all physicians mean the same thing when speaking of ‘watchful waiting’ so it is extremely important to have a clear discussion with your physician.