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Laser Treatments for Prostate Cancer

When you're battling cancer you need to be well-informed about your various treatment options. As science continually advances, more and more effective anti-cancer measures become available. When it comes to treating prostate cancer, one promising option is the application of laser treatments to the affected area.

  1. Prostate Cancer

    • Prostate cancer begins within the prostate gland. While the general cause of prostate cancer is unknown, there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. These include older age, ethnicity (African-Americans are more likely to develop this condition and Japanese men are less likely), and individuals who work with or are surrounded by hazardous chemicals, such as painters and farmers.

    Prostate Cancer Symptoms

    • Early stage prostate cancer is often detectable prior to the development of symptoms through regular compliance with routine PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing. However, when symptoms occur they include impaired urine flow (difficulty starting, partial incontinence), localized pain during urination or ejaculation, abdominal pain or unplanned weight loss.

    Laser Treatment

    • Laser treatment has become a viable option. According to a study conducted at Stanford University and published in the August 2005 edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists have discovered that laser treatment can destroy cancer cells through injecting carbon nanotubes into the body. These tubes merge with the cancer cells, which are then destroyed upon an infusion of laser light into the affected area.

    Benefits

    • The primary benefit of laser therapy is that it manages to destroy cancer cells without compromising surrounding tissue. Due to the unique properties of cancer cells, they are far more likely to absorb the nanotubes than other healthy tissue. This means that the treatment is the equivalent of a "smart bomb," that specifically ferrets out cancer cells while leaving the rest of your body intact.

    Considerations

    • If you are currently undergoing prostate cancer therapy, consult with your treating physician to discuss the viability of laser treatments in combating your condition. While laser treatments will certainly not be the solution for every case of prostate cancer, you have very little to lose by broaching the topic with your doctor to get his informed opinion on this important subject.

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