Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a gland found only in males. Located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate produces some of the fluid that is part of semen. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and begins when the cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. In many cases the cancer will grow slowly and will not cause harm, but in other cases may be aggressive and require treatment.
We are committed to providing resources that help prevent, detect, and treat prostate cancer. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, our care team will provide you with a treatment plan specific to your medical needs.
The Symptoms
In the early stages of prostate cancer, you may not experience any symptoms. This is why it can be difficult to diagnose until it gets to a more advanced stage. If you notice any of the following symptoms or sudden changes in your health speak with your doctor and discuss your concerns.
- Interrupted urine flow or the need to strain
- Frequent need to urinate at night
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Discomfort when sitting
- Bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- blood in urine or semen
What are the Causes?
While there is no specific cause of prostate cancer, there are a few factors that can increase your risk, which include:
- Age: This type of cancer is mostly found in men over 50.
- Genetics: You're at an increased risk if someone in your family has had the disease.
- Race: This disease is more common in men of African descent, than Hispanic, Asian, or non-Hispanic whites.
- Lifestyle: A diet rich in high-fat foods and red meat may increase your risk. Men who are less active and smoke also have an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Diagnosis
We provide advanced technology to aid in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer including:
Prostate Ultrasound - Also known as a transrectal ultrasound, this provides images of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue while allowing your doctor to biopsy the prostate if necessary.
Bone Scan/X-Ray - A bone scan can aid in detecting whether or not prostate cancer has spread to other sites in the body.
We also utilize CT scans, MRI, and PET-CT imaging to allow for our doctors to diagnose diseases like prostate cancer more quickly and to determine which stage the cancer is in.
Treatment Options
Your care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your medical needs. We offer a wide range of therapies including medical oncology, radiation therapy and surgical options specific to prostate cancer.
Surgery for Prostate Cancer
- Cryotherapy
- Prostatectomy surgery