Taking a New Tack on Prostate Cancer Marie McCullough - The Inquirer
go to original October 1, 2013

Prostate Cancer Treatment HIFU Non-Invasive Procedure (ProstateCancerHIFU)

Decades after lumpectomy became a standard option for women with breast cancer, men are seeking a similarly targeted approach to prostate cancer, one that gets rid of the tumor while preserving the organ.

This sensible tack has lagged in prostate cancer for many reasons, starting with the fact that the golf-ball-size gland is inaccessible. It lies deep within the pelvic cavity, surrounded by sensitive structures that are vital to sexual and urinary health.

Now, however, an array of technologies is enabling doctors to visualize and zap away prostate malignancies. Tissue is destroyed, or "ablated," by energy from lasers, microwaves, extreme cold, or ultrasound.

The presumed - but unproven - advantage of focused ablation is less collateral damage. In other words, less incontinence and impotence.

Read the rest at Philly.com

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