It's three words that no one ever wants to hear — "You have cancer." In 2025, there will be over 2 million new cancer cases diagnosed. However, cancer patients today have more treatment options available than ever before.
Dr. Michael Binner, a urologist with Urology Experts, a division of Precision Healthcare Specialists, joined Gulf Coast News to discuss the most common cancer treatment option — surgery.
Since ancient times, there has been evidence of surgery to remove tumors. Back then, there were no X-rays or MRIs. So doctors only removed tumors patients could see or feel. There also was no anesthesia, which made surgery very painful.
Today, about 60% of cancer patients will undergo some type of surgery to treat their cancer. Technology has made surgery more effective because surgeons can remove every trace of a tumor. Oftentimes, surgery is used with other treatment options, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.
Binner most often performs prostate cancer surgery. One in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is about the same rate as women with breast cancer. There are multiple surgical treatment options for prostate cancer, including Radical (Open) Prostatectomy, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and TULSA-PRO (Transurethral Prostate Cancer Ablation).
Advances in technology have made surgery more successful. But you can ask your doctor lots of questions before and after surgery. Also, choose a surgeon who is experienced, board-certified and has good bedside manners.
For more information, check out Urology Experts or Precision Healthcare Specialists online.
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