Almost everyone in the Inland Empire has been impacted by cancer in one way or another. Either they have battled cancer themselves, or a loved one, friend or relative has suffered from cancer.
For male patients in Rancho Mirage, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses. While prostate cancer is a common cancer among men, urology experts note that it is also one of the easiest cancers to treat and has one of the highest success rates of being cured. One of the most popular treatment methods for prostate cancer is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound.
What is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound?
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is a cancer treatment method that uses ultrasound waves to destroy cancer tissues in the prostate. This is a non-invasive treatment option, and the procedure itself takes about two hours.
During this procedure, the patient is made comfortable with general anesthesia or a spinal block. A small probe is inserted into the rectum and ultrasound waves are targeted at the tumor site. The ultrasound waves heat the cancer cells and ultimately destroy them. This has been proven to be a highly effective procedure.
This treatment was developed in the 1940s and continues to be a popular treatment method for prostate cancer. One of the reasons this procedure is so popular is its high success rate. According to recent data, more than 100,000 cases of prostate cancer have been cured using this specific treatment method. In addition to being highly successful, this procedure also minimizes the risk of damage to other organs in the body.
There are many advantages to this procedure, which is why many patients opt to have it performed after they receive their prostate cancer diagnosis. First and foremost, this is a non-invasive procedure that is highly effective. In addition to that, this treatment method also reduces the risk of adverse side effects that are associated with other prostate cancer treatment options.
For instance, the risk of developing erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence after this procedure is minimal. This is because the ultrasound technology that is used specifically targets the cancer cells and does not damage other organs or tissues in the body. There is very little downtime after this surgery, and most patients can go on to live their normal lives shortly after it has been performed.
Prostate cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat, but it is best treated when it is detected early. Male patients in Rancho Mirage and throughout the Inland Empire should make it a point to see their urologist on a regular basis for cancer screenings.
It is during these appointments that the doctor will check to see if you have any signs of cancer, and if you are going on a regular basis you are sure to catch any cancer cells early. If prostate cancer cells are found and it is diagnosed, your doctor can talk with you about your options and you can decide if High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is the right treatment method for you.
