Prostate Cancer

Overview

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer in males, and it affects the prostate gland. Early detection of prostate cancer increases the chances of a successful treatment. It is critical for men to have their prostates tested on a regular basis in order to discover prostate cancer early.

Many kinds of prostate cancer grow slowly and do not require therapy. Although prostate cancer is a devastating disease, the majority of men who are diagnosed with it do not die.

Our urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas will listen to your concerns and devise a treatment plan that will treat your prostate cancer while keeping you healthy.

Prostate Cancer

Causes

Prostate cancer has no known cause, although there are risk factors that make the disease more prevalent in some individuals.

Prostate cancer is linked to the following risk factors:

  • Age (55-69 should be regularly screened)
  • African American ethnicity
  • Family history
  • Obesity

Diagnosis

Many men are unaware that they have prostate cancer since they show no signs or symptoms. A high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in a blood test or a digital rectal exam are usually used to diagnose prostate cancer. A biopsy will remove a small piece of tissue from the prostate if PSA levels are high. If prostate cancer is discovered during a biopsy, a Gleason score is calculated by examining the biopsy under a microscope and determining the likelihood of the cancer spreading.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Painful urination
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Decreased urine stream

The first step to diagnosing kidney stones is to take a urine sample. Blood or mineral deposits in the urine signal kidney stones. Blood tests may also reveal minerals in your blood and help doctors monitor the health of your kidneys. If blood and urine tests show signs of kidney stones, imaging tests may be done to show where the stones are located. Abdominal x-rays may reveal large kidney stones, while CT Scans reveal very small stones.

Treatment

The urologist and perhaps a radiation oncologist would devise a treatment plan based on characteristics such as the patient’s age, general health, and the severity of the cancer.
Prostate cancer is commonly treated with the following methods:

  • Active surveillance
  • Some forms of prostate cancer are slow-growing and can be closely monitored without any other treatment necessary.
  • Surgery
  • Some patients are candidates for a prostatectomy, where the prostate is surgically removed.
  • Radiation therapy
  • External beam therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy. CT scans and MRIs are used to determine the location of the tumor cells in order to create a personalized radiation plan for you.
  • Hormone therapy
  • Testosterone is the main fuel for prostate cancer growth. Hormone therapy is designed to control prostate cancer growth by lowering testosterone levels. Hormone therapy is often given with radiation therapy.

It is recommended to get your PSA levels checked annually to catch prostate cancer at the earliest stages.