Diagnosis & Treatments for
Prostate Cancer
OVERVIEW
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the clinical term for a cancerous tumor on the prostate gland. As prostate cancer grows, it may spread to sac-like structures attached to the prostate (seminal vesicles), to tissues near the prostate, the interior of the gland, and to distant parts of the body (bones, liver, lungs, etc).
The prostate gland is located in the pelvis, below the bladder, above the urethral sphincter and penis, and in front of the rectum in men. It is made up of glandular tissue and muscle fibers that surround a portion of the urethra. The gland is covered by a membrane (called the prostate capsule) that produces prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Prostate cancer that’s detected early — when it’s still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment. Early prostate cancer is usually discovered during a routine digital rectal examination (DRE).
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
It’s not clear what causes prostate cancer. Like all cancers, it could be caused by many things, including a family history or exposure to certain chemicals. Whatever the instigating factor is, it leads to cell mutations and uncontrolled cell growth in the prostate.
While prostate cancer could occur in any man, certain factors raise your risk for the disease. These risk factors include:
- older age: 55 or older
- a family history of prostate cancer
- certain ethnicities or race — for instance, African American males are at greater risk of having prostate cancer
- obesity
- genetic changes
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms are often similar to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Men observing the following signs and/or symptoms should see their physician for a thorough examination:
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Inability to urinate
- Nagging pain or stiffness in the back, hips, upper thighs, or pelvis
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain or burning during urination (dysuria)
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Treatment of prostate cancer depends upon the stage of the disease and patient’s age and overall health. Elderly patients with minor symptoms, early stage of cancer, or coexisting illnesses may be treated conservatively.
Watchful waiting is a reasonable course of action for patients who are elderly, in poor health, or in early cancer stage. Untreated prostate cancer may take years to become problematic. During this time, the physician monitors the patient’s condition for any marked or sudden progression of the disease, which may signal the need for more aggressive treatment.
Surgical treatment for Prostate Cancer
Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues including seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes. It can be done:
- Laparoscopic radical Prostatectomy
- Robotic radical prostatectomy
- Open radical prostatectomy
All are having more or less similar surgical outcome but recovery is faster in lap/robotic surgery however cost of surgery does increases.
Radiotherapy
In this modality high dose of radiation is given which will destroy the cancer cells and subsequentially tumour disappears. It dose have few side effects in the form of radiation cystitis or proctitis.
Hormonal Therapy
It is palliative treatment for prostate cancer:
- Medical
- Surgical – Bilateral orchidectomy
Chemotherapy
In advance/metastatic disease it is given with little role.
Prostate Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad – Dr. Sharad Dodiya
Dr. Sharad Dodiya (Fusion Kidney Institute) is the best Urologist and Kidney Specialist in Ahmedabad. Dr. Sharad and his team at Fusion Kidney — team of experts works together to give the best treatment for prostate cancer in Ahmedabad. Doctors at Fusion Kidney Institute, are highly skilled not in some aspects of prostate cancer care, but across all specialties involved in care for the patients.
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