For many men, even the mention of the potential side effects of many traditional prostate cancer treatments can cause some serious cringe. Erectile dysfunction? Urinary incontinence? Extended recovery time? No, thanks very much. And the cost of some of these procedures can be prohibitive, even if you’re prepared to face the possibility of side effects and significant time out of your life.
But if you’re seeking treatment for prostate cancer, don’t panic. You’ve got options, and they aren’t just radiation, cryotherapy, or hormone treatments. There’s another option out there that’s quick, non-invasive, highly effective, and has few documented side effects.
It’s HIFU: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound.
Here’s what you need to know about prostate cancer’s new worst enemy:
What Is HIFU?
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a new high-tech procedure that’s non-invasive and an effective option for prostate cancer treatment. This treatment involves state-of-the-art technology, is FDA-approved, and does not require a single incision. It’s a process designed to preserve healthy tissue and eliminate problem tissue without damaging any structures or cells beyond the directly targeted area.
How Does It Work?
When we use HIFU, we skip all the radiation, incisions, and sharp cutting implements. Instead, we use a device called The Ablatherm®, which uses a high-intensity focused ultrasound to target only the necessary parts of the prostate, leaving the rest untouched and free of side effects. The high-intensity sound waves burn the targeted tissue and cut off blood supply to the dangerous cells, killing them without harming any of the good cells. This process can be repeated multiple times if necessary until the treatment is complete.
Is It Safe?
This procedure has fewer side effects than most other treatments, and is minimally invasive, making it significantly safer than many other traditional methods for treating prostate cancer. Through HIFU’s focused strategy for targeting and treating prostate conditions, many major risks are avoided, and the process kept as safe as possible. Follow-up visits will include testing to ensure the process was successful and to monitor your condition to ensure proper recovery.
If you’re considering HIFU, be sure to consult your doctor to ensure the process is right for you and your body’s needs. For more information about our non-invasive robotic HIFU, check out this informative video.
Ready to preserve your quality of life with a low risk of side effects?