Cancer Articles (Dr. S.N White)

What type of hormones are used in treating prostate cancer?  In late stage prostate cancer , instead of removing the testes, the administration of estrogen may be used. The female hormone counteracts or neutralizes the effects of testosterone. Among the hormones that may be prescribed are DES , E Stinyl, TACE, and flutamide. Can hormone treatment cure cancer of the prostate?  No. Hormone treatment does not cure cancer of the prostate but is often used to control the activity of the disease and to lessen the pain. Many patients also recover appetite, gain weight, and return to normal activities as a result of hormone treatment . The tumor often shrinks, as well. However, in some patients, for reasons as yet not understood, the hormones may lose their effectiveness and the original symptoms may return. Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer What is LHRH?  These initials stand for leutenizing hormone releasing hormone, a hypothalamic hormone that controls sex ...

How is cancer of the prostate treated?  It depends on the patient's medical history, age, and stage of disease. Stage A disease usually requires either no treatment, removal of the prostate (prostatectomy), or radiotherapy, depending upon the number of sites in which the cancer cells are found. Stage B tumors are treated with either radiation therapy or surgery; both seem to have the same results. Stage C disease is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination ofthe two. Stage D disease may be treated with some form of hormone therapy, usually used when symptoms such as bone pain or bladder obstruction occur. What is a prostatectomy?  A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate. A total prostactectomy is the removal of the entire prostate. What is a retropubic prostatectomy?  Retropubic prostatectomy is the removal of all or part of the prostate when the incision is made from the navel to the pubic bone to remove the...