What is Prostate Cancer?
Men have a small walnut-shaped gland in the lower abdomen called the prostate gland. It is found under the bladder and around the urethra. Testosterone is a hormone that controls the prostate, which includes seminal fluid, also known as semen. Sperm-bearing semen exits the urethra after ejaculation. Sperm is supplied and transported by the prostate gland. Prostate cancer occurs as an irregular, malignant development of cells, known as tumours, that develop in the prostate. This cancer has the potential to spread to other body parts. In such circumstances, the malignancy is still referred to as prostate cancer because it comprises prostate cells. Thanks to new studies on gene variations related to prostate cancer, oncologists are discovering more about how the condition progresses.
- In India, prostate cancer is the leading cause of death, ranking in the top ten cancers.
- Prostate cancer is more common in men over the age of 65.
- Research study shows that old age obesity, poor diet, and genetic changes work as prime contributing factors in the development of prostate cancer.
- According to a new study conducted in Mumbai, patients who underwent prostate cancer surgery had a better than 90% likelihood of survival.
- Research shows that providing care can save lives or improve the years people live.
- The medical community should increase prostate cancer awareness, and prevention is critical.
How is Cryotherapy Done?
Cryotherapy entails freezing cancer cells and blocking off blood flow. Tiny needles are inserted directly into the tumour.
- Oncologists can understand cryotherapy as a freezing process of cancer cells and cutting off their blood supply.
- Surgeons inject directly into the tumours using tiny needles.
- The gases mix with helium gases as they flow through the needles.
- This process results in a cycle of freezing and warming.
- The frozen, dead tissue liquefies, and the body absorbs it naturally.
- Cryotherapy is a treatment option for a range of ailments.
- Oncologists may insert a warming catheter into the urethra while treating prostate cancer. This process will help with freezing.
- Many experts use Ultrasound imaging to guide the needle through prostate cancer.
What is Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer?
This medical procedure requires spinal or epidural anaesthesia to numb the lower part of the body, or the doctor may give general anaesthesia. Multiple hollow probes (needles) can be navigated through the skin between the anus and the scrotum and into the prostate using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS).
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The happy couple after prostate cancer treatment |
- The prostate is then frozen and destroyed using ultra-cold gases passing through the needles.
- The doctor closely monitors the ultrasound during the operation to remove the prostate while minimising damage to surrounding tissues.
- Surgeons can reduce damage to normal prostate tissue using ultrasound images to detect cancer tissue.
- Warm salt water is injected into the urethra to prevent the catheter from freezing during the procedure.
- After that, the catheter is left in place for a few weeks to help the bladder drain until you recover.
- Extreme cold freezes the prostate and kills any cancerous tissue that might be present.
- You may need to remain in the hospital overnight after the surgical operation, but several men return home the next day.
- Since cryotherapy is less painful than surgery, it results in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and more comfort.
- However, cryotherapy has significantly lower long-term efficacy than surgery or radiation therapy.
What are the Precautions after a Cryotherapy Procedure?
Hospitalised patients are not allowed to use scented soaps or lotions in the area treated until they heal fully. This process takes at least 10 days after the operation.
- Patients may experience hair loss in the treated area.
- The extent of hair loss depends on the depth to which the freezing penetrated the region.
- If the treated region has healed, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent scarring.
- You will be free to sit up or lie down and relax after the surgery.
- There should be no noticeable pain, although you can have minor cramping.
- You can use the restroom if needed.
- You may see a slight amount of blood, but there may be no bleeding.
- The hospital will provide sanitary napkins for you to wear until your discharge in case of bleeding.
What are the Potential Risks and Side Effects of Cryotherapy Procedures?
- The risk factors of various cancers vary.
- The risk factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, weight, alcohol, poor eating habits, and family background, are common.
- Some cases have identified erectile dysfunction, pain, and swelling of the scrotum and penis.
- Cryotherapy can cause more frequent or painful micturition or hematuria (blood in the urine).
- Urine excretion with indiscipline and inconsistency may occur in a patient. Bleeding or inflammation can occur in some cases, but prompt treatment addresses both effectively.
What are the Natural Ways to Avert Prostate Cancer?
- Many foods contain nutrients and vitamins that can lower the chances of developing prostate cancer.
- Green vegetables contain chemicals that aid in the breakdown of carcinogens, toxins that cause cancer.
- A nutrient-dense diet helps slow down cancer spread.
- Tomatoes, watermelon, and other red foods get their vivid colour from lycopene, a potent antioxidant.
- According to some new research, men who eat these fruit and tomato-based products have a lower chance of prostate cancer than men who do not.
- Isoflavones in soybeans and green tea reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- According to a recent study conducted in Norway, drinking three cups of coffee per day will decrease the chances of dying from prostate cancer by around 11%.
- Fish and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Exercises like swimming, bicycling and running increase muscle mass and improve metabolism, reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Several fruits, especially cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and pomegranates, are prominent for their cancer-fighting properties.
Medical researchers believe that the prevalence of prostate cancer in India will more than double by next year. There is a need to increase the number of conversations and dialogues about the early signs, symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis of prostate cancer. According to recent IMCR reports, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in major cities such as Pune, Kolkata, Delhi, and Trivandrum.
FAQs
How is cryotherapy used to treat breast cancer?
Cryotherapy is a cure for breast cancer in the developmental stage. Medical experts are investigating whether cryotherapy may be a viable solution to breast cancer treatment and the methods of breast cancer cryotherapy that will be more effective in treating the disease.
What should I avoid after cryotherapy?
Do not use scented soaps, makeup, or lotions in the treated area until it heals completely. This action usually takes at least 10 days after the procedure. Hair loss can occur in some situations.
How much does cryotherapy hurt?
Cryotherapy does not hurt. However, exposure to the cold is often a peculiar sensation during your first cryotherapy session. Your body will remain dry throughout, and your head will be outside the cryotherapy chamber.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cryotherapy?
- Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment that is generally less painful than traditional surgery.
- It carries a lower risk of bleeding and damage to healthy tissue near the abnormal cells.
- Although the dangers of cryotherapy are minor, complications may still occur.
Summary
The long-term effectiveness of cryotherapy is considerably lower than that of surgery or radiation therapy. Since cryotherapy is less stressful than surgery, it usually results in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster healing and less morbidity. You can win the battle against prostate cancer with cryotherapy.