Final answer:
The removal of the entire prostate is called a radical prostatectomy, a common surgical treatment for aggressive prostate cancer, which may cause side effects like erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence. Definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer requires a biopsy, and treatments can include chemotherapy and brachytherapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The removal of the entire prostate is called a radical prostatectomy. This surgical procedure is one of the treatments for prostate cancer, particularly in cases where cancer is aggressive or the patient is younger. A radical prostatectomy involves the complete removal of the prostate gland and may include the surrounding tissue, depending on the extent of the cancer. It's critical for patients to understand the associated risks of this surgery, such as erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence, and weigh these against the potential benefits when deciding on treatment.
Prostate cancer is commonly diagnosed in men through an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level or a lump detected in a physical exam, but a biopsy is required for a definitive diagnosis. In the treatment of prostate cancer, options can include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy such as brachytherapy, where radioactive seeds are inserted into the prostate to target cancer cells directly.