Prostate Cancer: Treatments

Treatment for prostate cancer can include everything from "watchful waiting" to removal of the entire prostate gland. The route that you and your doctor choose is based on how large your tumor is, whether it has spread, and your personal preferences.

How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?

Five types of treatment options may be offered:

• Radiation and Radioactive Seed Implants
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery to remove the prostate gland – radical prostatectomy or laparoscopic surgery
• Hormone treatment to reduce the size of the tumor
• Surveillance (also called watchful waiting)

"Watchful waiting" is recommended for some patients, particularly those who are older or who have from other life-threatening conditions. In these cases, the cancer may be growing so slowly that it's not likely to be fatal.

Choosing a treatment option involves you, your family, and your doctor. Considerations include the grade and stage of the cancer, your age and health status, and the feelings you have about the risk and benefits of each treatment option.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Urological Institute.