This is particularly important since the location of the prostate gland changes each day, depending on how full the patient's bladder and rectum are. The ultrasound probe is oriented on the abdomen in two dimensions to allow the physician to see the prostate in two different planes. Both horizontal and vertical ultrasound images are captured and displayed on a computer screen. The daily location of the prostate can then be compared to its original position. The BAT then calculates and communicates this location to the treatment machine for the necessary adjustments to precisely target the prostate.
Doctors advise that BAT is very patient friendly.
Each BAT localization takes about five to seven minutes, which is immediately followed by the radiation treatment. Patients typically receive daily treatments on weekdays over the course of an eight-week period. This is five minutes well worth it when you consider how accurately we are able to pinpoint the area we're treating. There are no preventive measures known for prostate cancer, although some reports indicate that adopting a low fat, vegetarian diet may minimize the risk. Early identification is critical, and most health care providers recommend a yearly screening for prostate cancer for men over age 40.