There are various methods of treatment now available
for prostate cancer. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
(HIFU) is considered one of the most effective alternatives by many in the medical profession. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU is a new treatment for prostate cancer.
HIFU is a minimally invasive technique that uses ultrasound in a very
sophisticated way. The treatment is
administered with a specialized process that is similar to a light being shown
on a piece of paper with a magnifying glass.
The high intensity ultrasonic beams are applied to the cancerous
prostate area via computer controls.
Then, at the same time ultrasound imaging is used to identify the
prostate as not to damage the good organs and tissue. The destroyed cancerous tissue is dispelled
with the urine over time.
If you are interested in alternatives that are available, review these prostate cancer treatment options:
If you are interested in alternatives that are available, review these prostate cancer treatment options:
Cryotherapy: 2-3 hour procedure with possible overnight
stay using controlled freeze and thaw cycles; 4-20% chance of incontinence;
40-100% chance of impotence; 78% disease free survival at 1 year survival; 60% disease
free survival at 5-7 years.
Radical
Prostatectomy: 2-3 day hospital stay with major surgery to
remove prostate; catheter for 2-3 weeks for open surgery; 4-34% chance of
incontinence; 51-80% chance of impotence; 85-91% disease free survival at 2
years; 68-72% disease free survival at 10 years.
External
Beam Radiation: 6-8 weeks treatment
beaming radiation through healthy tissues; bowel problems more common; 4-7%
chance of incontinence; 41-62% chance of impotence; 55-65% disease free survival
at 5 years; 49% disease free survival at
10 years.
Internal
Radiation Seeds(Brachytherapy): 1-2 hour procedure with
possible overnight stay using implants of radiation seeds in the prostate; 3-18% chance of incontinence; 44-58% chance
of impotence; 85-91% disease free survival at 10-12 years.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): 2-3 hour procedure performed
on outpatient basis using precision focused ultrasound waves; 0-2% chance of incontinence; 20-30% chance of
impotence; 87% disease free survival at 6 months; 94% disease free survival at
4 years.
There is no surgery involved, so there is no
cutting, bleeding, or time necessary for healing. The entire HIFU procedure generally lasts
about two to three hours with no overnight stay. Once in the
recovery room for about an hour, the patient is able to walk out of the
hospital to go home.