Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that affects prostate cells. About 400,000 cases of the disease are diagnosed annually in the world, and in Russia, among the oncological diseases in men, prostate cancer takes eighth place. According to statistics, a man can get prostate cancer at any age, however, at the age of 60, the risk increases significantly.
Diagnosis and treatment of this disease in Russia is difficult. The main reasons for this are the insufficient equipment of the clinics and the lack of experienced specialists. Such problems are observed not only in Russia, but also in many other countries, so patients with this diagnosis are forced to contact foreign medical institutions. Germany has shown good results in this area: the treatment of prostate cancer is one of the most successful in the world.
Features of the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer
Oncological diseases are characterized by the appearance and growth of malignant cells (in this case, in the prostate gland). Treatment gives the fastest and good effect only if the disease is diagnosed in the early stages (1 or 2). The tumor is still small and does not affect neighboring organs. However, few patients go to the clinic at these stages.
The fact is that with small sizes, the tumor does not cause pain or other vivid symptoms. Oncology of stages 1 and 2 is detected most often during a regular examination. That is why all men who have reached the age of 45 are recommended by doctors to undergo annual urological examinations.
An integrated approach to treatment
Oncology clinics in Germany managed to achieve good results thanks to several features of the work.
Constant research in oncology, search and testing of new drugs.
Paying attention to early diagnostic methods. This is what allows you to identify cancer in the initial stages, as quickly as possible to begin its treatment.
Application of advanced treatment methods in practice.
Well equipped clinics - cancer centers are equipped with the latest devices and equipment.
Upscale doctors. The entire medical staff of the clinics is constantly undergoing continuing education. Oncologists, surgeons and other specialized specialists attend conferences, exchange experiences, and introduce advanced methods of treating prostate cancer in Germany.
Using an integrated approach. This is not only a treatment, but also the work of psychologists.
Methods for diagnosing prostate cancer in clinics in Germany
Quick and accurate diagnosis of cancer is one of the most important prerequisites for success. It allows not only to detect the presence of the disease, but also to provide comprehensive information about the nature of the disease, the location and size of the tumor. Based on this, a course of treatment is built.
PSA. This abbreviation hides the name of an effective diagnostic method in urology - the identification of the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. This antigen is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. In the body of a healthy man, the level of this antigen is quite low. The increased content indicates pathologies in the prostate. This analysis does not indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor, therefore, a more detailed diagnosis is required.
Transrectal ultrasound. Ultrasound examination of the prostate gland, which gives a clear idea of the state of the organ, the presence or absence of a tumor, its location and size.
MRI Magnetic resonance imaging. It provides more accurate information about the state of the prostate gland, helps to identify possible metastases.
Diagnostic cost in Germany
All clinics in Germany set their own price lists, prices at which may vary. To get approximate indicators, you should familiarize yourself with the price list of one of the clinics:
blood tests, ultrasound of organs, specialist advice - about 500 euros;
a detailed urological examination on oncology issues (these are ultrasound of organs, PSA, specialist consultation, biopsy procedure and histological examination) - about 2,000 euros;
biopsy and histological examination - about 1,500 euros;
MRI - about 800 euros.
Surgical treatment of prostate cancer
Surgical intervention (prostatectomy) is one of the most effective ways to fight oncology. This option is only suitable if the cancer has not metastasized. The doctor removes the affected organ.
Previously, prostatectomy was performed in an open way. During it, the surgeon made an incision 10-15 cm in the lower abdomen. A little later there was the possibility of laparoscopy without a large incision. However, both of these methods had a number of disadvantages, leading to unpleasant consequences.
Today, German clinics are actively using a new method of operations - a robot-assisted prostatectomy (often called the da Vinci robot). During this procedure, only a few punctures are made through which the operation is conducted. Compared to previous methods, the Da Vinci operation has the following advantages:
reduces blood loss to a minimum;
reduces the risk of infection;
significantly reduces the recovery postoperative period;
excludes a cosmetic defect;
maintains normal potency and urinary function in the patient.
The short and easy postoperative period after the application of the da Vinci robot allows you not to waste the patient’s strength on recovery, which is very important for cancer patients.
Irradiation
Irradiation can be used both as an independent method of therapy, and in combination with other procedures. In the form of the main treatment, this therapy is recommended in those cases when the patient cannot be operated on for one reason or another.
During traditional radiation therapy for prostate cancer, the entire body of the patient is exposed to radiation, which leads to severe side effects. German clinics were among the first to use low-dose permanent brachytherapy in practice.
Brachytherapy is a procedure in which particles with radioactive iodine are implanted in a patient’s prostate gland with a long thin needle. The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia, during which the lower body is anesthetized. The particles are 4.5 mm long and only 0.8 mm in diameter. Immediately after implantation, radioactive grains begin to affect the tumor, block its growth and development.
During brachytherapy, not the whole body of the patient is exposed to radiation, but only the tumor itself, therefore:
increased irradiation efficiency, thanks to a clearly directed action;
side effects are reduced;
the procedure lasts only about an hour, the next day the patient is discharged home.
Hormone therapy
Such treatment in German clinics involves the appointment of special medications that block the production of testosterone. The fact is that the testosterone produced affects the tumor, accelerating its growth.
Such treatment is often prescribed in the early stages of oncology, combined with brachytherapy. German clinics are always trying to use new medicines that have been tested and have shown high efficiency.
HIFU Therapy
HIFU therapy is a fairly effective method of combating a prostate tumor. The procedure is that the tumor is exposed to high temperature with the help of special sound vibrations.
Such an effect destroys neoplasm cells, does not allow them to divide further. The disadvantage of this method is that it can not be applied in all cases. The decision on effectiveness is made after passing the diagnosis.
Cryoablation
Another treatment for prostate cancer in Germany, often used by clinics. The method is based on the use of a special apparatus for freezing a tumor.
The doctor conducts a variable freeze and thaw the neoplasm. This disrupts the metabolism of cancer cells and destroys the tumor.
The cost of treating prostate cancer in Germany
It is impossible to name the exact cost of treatment in German clinics, since an individual course of treatment is formed for each patient. It depends on the stage of the disease, the size and location of the tumor, the presence of metastases, the age and general condition of the patient.
Each clinic offers to familiarize yourself with the price list. Prices will be approximately as follows.
- Radiation therapy - about 3,000 euros.
- Brachytherapy - about 9,000 euros.
- HIFU therapy - about 8,500 euros.
- Laparoscopic prostatectomy - about 8,000 euros.
- The treatment of prostate cancer in Germany with the Da Vinci method is approximately 12,500 euros.
German medical centers that specialize in oncology
In Germany, there are about 50 different centers that annually receive hundreds of patients from Europe and residents of the CIS countries. The following is just a small list of medical centers.
City of Munich, clinic "Isar".
Munich City - Full-time oncology and cardiology clinic named after Professor Herrmann.
City of Berlin, Charite - University Hospital.
City of Dortmund, "Prostate Center".
Aachen City - here is the University Hospital.
University Hospital in Mainz.
Treatment of prostate cancer in Germany is quite an expensive service, however, hundreds of patients from Germany and many other countries use it every year. An integrated approach, high-tech methods of therapy, qualified specialists - all this allows us to achieve high rates of treatment effectiveness and patient survival.