Prostate Cancer
PROSTATE CANCER
The prostate is a small walnut shaped gland in the pelvis of men. It is located next to the bladder and can be examined by getting a digital rectal exam. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland. It is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the U.S. About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This year, nearly 250,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Growths in the prostate can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Benign growths (like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- Are rarely a threat to life
- Don't invade the tissues around them
- Don't spread to other parts of the body
- Can be removed and can grow back very slowly (but usually don't grow back)
Malignant growths (prostate cancer):
- May sometimes be a threat to life
- Can spread to nearby organs and tissues (such as the bladder or rectum)
- Can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body (like lymph nodes or bone)
- Often can be removed but sometimes grow back
Screening
Prostate cancer is rarely symptomatic until it reaches the most advanced stages. Thus the mainstay of detection is through screening. "Screening" means testing for a disease even if you have no symptoms. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE) are primary two tests that are used to screen for prostate cancer. Both are used to detect cancer early. However, these tests are not perfect. Abnormal results with either test may be due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) or infection, rather than cancer. In this case we offer a variety of other studies that help decide whether to pursue a prostate biopsy.
Studies show that screening is most effective for patients that are over 55 years of age, although this can vary depending on other factors such as race and family history. Often times, screening is done at your primary care providers office during annual physicals. If you have more questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Prostate cancer is diagnosed via a prostate biopsy, which your doctor will recommend if your screening tests are abnormal. Prostate cancer comes in several different types and the treatment of prostate cancer is highly dependent what the biopsy shows. Some cancers grow so slowly that treatment may not be needed at all. Others grow fast and are life-threatening so treatment is usually necessary. Deciding what treatment you should get can be complex. Our skilled and compassionate doctors will help you decide based upon the following:
- The stage and grade of the cancer (Gleason score and TNM stage)treatment
- Your risk category (whether the cancer is low, intermediate or high risk)
- Your age and health
- Your preferences with respect to side effects, long-term effects and treatment goals
Entrust Urology utilizes cutting edge technology to treat prostate cancer surgically, including the brand new Da Vinci SP Robotic Surgery platform to treat your prostate cancer and help you get back to your life