Being diagnosed with prostate cancer may be one of the hardest experiences of your life. Fortunately, there is a new prostate cancer treatment called cryotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses ice to destroy prostate cancer. Cryotherapy requires no radiation beams, no permanent radiation seeds and no radiation exposure. And when measured against radiation therapy, cryotherapy is equally effective - without major surgery - allowing for a fast and easy recovery. The Southeast Cryotherapy Institute Web site is designed to give you important information about cryotherapy and to help you decide if it is right for you.

What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the growth of malignant cells in the prostate. The cells reproduce and may spread beyond the prostate gland. The prostate gland sits between a man's bladder and rectum at the bottom of his pelvis. It is about the size of a walnut. Its purpose is to provide sperm with nutrients and protection. Prostate cancer is the growth of malignant cells in the prostate. The cells reproduce and may spread beyond the prostate gland.

An exciting development in prostate cancer treatment has occurred with cryosurgery, which is more aptly called "cryotherapy" today. Because it is minimally invasive, prostate cancer cryotherapy has fewer complications than surgery.

How is Cryotherapy performed?
The procedure is performed in the operating room, and the patient receives anesthesia. There is no incision; approx. six needles are inserted into the prostate to freeze the prostate and destroy all prostate cancer cells. During the procedure, the prostate and needle placement are evaluated with ultrasound imaging. Argon and helium gas circulates through the needles providing the doctor with controllable freezing and thawing capability. The temperature within the prostate is lowered to -40°C for several minutes, creating ice balls which kill cancer cells. The patient usually goes home that day and a urethral catheter drains urine into a bag on the thigh for 3 to 5 days.

The Benefits of Cryotherapy
The benefits of the procedure include a choice of general or regional anesthesia, a fast recovery and lower risk of potential side effects, such as incontinence. Cryotherapy does not involve radiation or radioactive substances (seeds) that are left in the body. And unlike radical prostatectomy, cryotherapy is not major surgery. This means that patients are back on their feet and back to their lives quickly. Recent studies have shown that for some men cryotherapy may be performed with minimal damage to the nerves necessary for sexual function. According to a multi-center study in 2003, physicians, including Dr. Shore, conclude that cryotherapy is less invasive and causes less trauma and fewer side effects than radical prostatectomy.

Help for you and your partner
Your spouse or partner has prostate cancer. If you are like most couples dealing with prostate cancer, it has placed a strain and some special needs on your relationship. How the disease affects sex and intimacy between you may be one of your major concerns. Whether it is or is not, you face a range of other emotional pressures and psychological issues. You cannot hide. You have to cope%u2026 and you can. Here are some tips that can help you give support to your partner, and get the emotional support you need.

Learn all you can about prostate cancer and its treatment
The more you know about prostate cancer, the more you will know what to expect in terms of treatment, side effects and outcomes. Armed with knowledge, you can begin to remove some of your uncertainty and anxiety. You will have a better idea of what your spouse or partner is facing. You can help him act to become informed, to understand available treatments, and to make decisions about how to deal with prostate cancer. By helping your partner, you will help yourself.

Ask for help
Watch for signs of depression in both you and your partner. Seek professional help as soon as you think it is needed. Ask for help of any kind when you need it. Accept it when it's offered.