What Is HIFU?

HIFU is a medical treatment that uses ultrasound waves to eliminate tissue that is usually hard to reach, just like the tissue in the prostate gland. When used to treat prostate cancer, HIFU destroys the complete prostate gland by heating and ablating the tissues utilizing ultrasound waves. This highly efficient treatment restricts the risk of side effects from other cancer of the prostate treatment options, making it great for those who wish to protect their current top quality of life while dealing with the threat caused by localized prostate cancer. rnDo I Qualify? The first step in getting HIFU therapy for your cancer of prostate is figuring out if you qualify for treatment. Find a urologist who is acquainted with HIFU and works with clinical trials or intercontinental treatment locations to discuss your case. You will need to explain to the doctor your the latest PSA, Gleason score, the size and volume of your prostate gland and any treatments you have already tried. Other factors will be considered as well, which includes the patient's age, overall health, and the area of the prostate tumors. Finding Treatment Presently, there are two ways to get HIFU treatment. The first is to find an open clinical trial in your area. To make this happen, find a doctor who is making use of the clinical trials, and ask whether or not you qualify to take part. If you do, you can get HIFU treatment for your prostate cancer with out leaving the United States. rnThe other option is to travel to a HIFU treatment solution medical clinic outside of the US. Some of the best urologists in the country regularly travel to these clinics to perform HIFU. The treatment centers will help patients find lodgings to use before and after treatment. Since procedure with HIFU is an outpatient procedure, most patients are able to travel to the treatment center, receive the treatment, and return home in just a few days. Follow up with a urologists in the states is suggested after HIFU treatment. Recovery: What you should expect In contrast to other prostate cancer treatment options, recovery after HIFU is nominal. HIFU patients can expect to wear a catheter to allow the bladder to entirely drain while the body heals. Patients will be needing the catheter for between one and four weeks, meaning it will need to be removed during follow up with a urologist in the patient's local area. Most patients are able to move normally within a few hours of treatment. Mild discomfort is common, but no severe pain. Any discomfort felt is usually treated using painkillers. Some annoying urinary symptoms, like frequency, urgency, or urinary pain, are common, however , these are short-term and will resolve themselves within a few days of treatment.