Prostate cancer is a condition wherein the cells of the prostate gland grow rapidly. It is one of the most common types of cancer to affect men. Age is one of the main risk factors, and it is estimated that 13 out of 100 men will develop some form of the cancer in their lifetime. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment for this progressive disorder.

1. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments used in cancer. For prostate cancer, there are two primary approaches: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation).
External Radiation involves the use of targeted beams fired from outside of the prostate gland to destroy the cancer cells in the early stages and prevent them from spreading. There are several new technologies involved in EBRT treatment, including 3D- CRT scan and mapping, advanced image-guided and volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic body radiation, and proton beam radiation therapy.
Brachytherapy, on the other hand, involves the use of targeted radiation pellets that are placed in the prostate during surgery to target the cancerous cells. These pellets discharge a small amount of radiation in the affected area to kill the malicious cells. Often a combination of internal and external radiation is suggested for effective treatment.

2. Surgery
Surgery is also among the top-recommended treatment methods for prostate cancer. However, this method is often reserved for moderate to severe stages. A radical prostatectomy is done to remove the prostate gland completely among patients whose cancer has not yet spread to the lymph nodes. Prostate removal is possible via open radical prostatectomy or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The first procedure is done by hand using local anesthesia, while the latter involves the use of advanced robotic arms to remove the prostate. The recovery period for laparoscopic surgery is shorter than an open prostate removal.

3. Hormone therapy
Cancer cells require testosterone to grow and multiply inside the prostate gland. Cutting the supply of this male hormone directly interferes with the cancer growing and spreading to the nearby lymph nodes. This is normally done using medications that stop the body from producing male hormones or medications that block the testosterone from reaching the infected cells. Hormone therapy is administered in stages to ensure the body does not produce any amount of testosterone. However, in some cases, an orchiectomy (removal of the testicles) is performed to surgically remove the natural source of testosterone production. Orchiectomy ensures the quickest results, but it is also an irreversible procedure.

4. Ablative therapies
These treatment methods focus on using extreme heat or freezing temperatures. Affected prostate tissue is heated using a high ultrasound energy beam, causing the cells to disintegrate completely. Alternatively, cryotherapy can also be used to freeze the affected prostate tissue and let it thaw post the procedure. This process is repeated a number of times to kill the cancer cells. Both treatments are considered for very small prostate cancers.