Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located in front of the rectum and right below the bladder. The function of the prostate gland is to produce part of the seminal fluid, the solution that carries sperm.
Overview
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than non-melanoma skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as the most common cause of male cancer-related death. While there is no known cause, the risk for prostate cancer increases with age, with men over 65 at highest risk. African American men are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as Caucasian Americans. Studies show that a man's risk for prostate cancer increases if a close male relative (father, brother, uncle, grandfather) has the disease. And some studies suggest that a diet of high-fat red meat and dairy products appears to stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Most early prostate cancers cause no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include changes in urinary flow, frequency or urgency, erectile difficulties, or pain in the pelvis, hip, or back. These symptoms may occur in other diseases unrelated to prostate cancer.
Diagnosis
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal examination are the most effective tests currently available for early detection of prostate cancer. As part of an annual checkup, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual prostate examination beginning at age 50 for men with no risk factors and age 45 for men at increased risk.
Treatment Options
The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the chance for a complete cure. The Department of Urology is one of the country's leading centers for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of early-stage prostate cancer. A number of treatment options are available, including surgery, external beam radiation, and radioactive prostate seed implantation. Our surgeons are internationally renowned for their expertise in performing nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, an operation in which a cancerous prostate gland is removed but the adjacent nerves that control erections are not.
Similarly, the prostate gland can be removed with the assistance of a robot, the da vinci® system. This techniques applies minimally invasive techniques and principles to provide the same level of cancer removal with fewer side effects from the surgery, especially less blood loss.
The Department of Urology also provides specialty care for advanced prostate cancer, including hormone therapy and chemotherapy. The Department is currently conducting exciting research into new and better ways to treat and manage advanced disease. When appropriate, patients have the opportunity to enroll in clinical trials to investigate these latest discoveries.
For patient referral or consultations, contact the Department of Urology at 412-692-4100.