Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men worldwide. As with other cancers, early diagnosis and treatment have an important place in the management of this disease. Focused high-intensity focused ultrasound waves, i.e. HIFU technology, is described as a non-surgical treatment for prostate cancer. The latest version of HIFU technology, can ensure that only the diseased area of the prostate is treated and the surrounding tissues are not damaged. With HIFU, risks such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction are also eliminated. The duration of the HIFU process is directly proportional to the size of the area to be treated. The process, on average, takes 1-2 hours, but may take longer if the area to be burned is large.
What is the HIFU method?
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a medical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to treat prostate cancer. In HIFU, normally harmless ultrasound waves are produced at a higher intensity and in a highly focused form. Similar to how a magnifying glass focuses a beam of light on a target, in HIFU multiple beams of ultrasound are focused on the exact tissue area in the prostate that requires treatment. The highly focused energy from the ultrasound causes the temperature of the tissue to rise, and the heat destroys (ablates) the targeted tissue area. The ultrasound beams can pass through layers of tissue, leaving them unharmed until they reach their target.
For which patients is the HIFU method suitable?
The HIFU method is mostly used in the early stages of prostate cancer, in patients with small tumors and no metastases.
Patients for whom the HIFU method is recommended:
- The HIFU method provides an advantage in mostly young patients who do not want to have problems with urination and whose sex life is active.
- Patients with early stage T1 or T2 prostate cancer,
- Patients whose age or general condition is not suitable for prostate cancer surgery
- Patients seeking minimally invasive treatment methods
How is HIFU applied?
Prostate cancer treatment with HIFU is done by giving a small dose of anesthesia. High-power ultrasound waves are sent into the cancerous area of the prostate by entering through the anus with a probe. As they are absorbed, the temperature is raised by 85-100 degrees and only the cancer cells are destroyed. Thus, targeted treatment is achieved by preserving healthy prostate tissue.
What are the characteristics and advantages of the HIFU method?
It prevents sexual dysfunction and protects urinary control.
In open surgeries, the patient remains in the hospital for 3-4 days. Since radiotherapy takes 30 days, the patient has to come to the hospital almost every day. The HIFU procedure is administered in one session. Patients undergoing HIFU can return to their homes after staying in the hospital for 1 night. If the procedure is administered in the morning, patients can be discharged the evening of the same day.
- The risk of complications is low.
- Can be easily administered in cases of relapse.
- HIFU allows for intervention into cancerous tissue without damaging surrounding organs and tissues.
- The patient is not exposed to the harmful effects of radiation.
- Although the pain threshold varies from person to person, the HIFU procedure is described as painless.
- It can be administered to elderly patients who cannot receive anesthesia.
Frequently asked questions:
Can HIFU be used for benign prostate enlargement?
HIFU is a treatment method used only for prostate cancer.
Can it be administered at a later age?
HIFU can be used in men of all ages with prostate cancer.
Is the whole prostate destroyed by ultrasound waves?
In the HIFU procedure, ultrasound waves are directed only at the cancerous prostate tissue. In this way, the surrounding tissues are not damaged and the prostate is protected so that it can perform all its functions.
For more information, we at Medical Karaj are at your service.
Call us on the following numbers "Medical Karaj": 0879 977 401 or 0879 977 402.
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