Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Treatment

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. One out of nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Luckily, it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that more than 90 percent of all prostate cancers are discovered while they are either localized (confined to the prostate) or regional (nearby). During the last 25 years, the five-year survival rate for all stages of the cancer has increased from 68 to nearly 100 percent.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Generally, the sooner prostate cancer is caught, the greater the likelihood for successful treatment. When detected early and confined to the prostate gland, the prognosis is among the best of all cancers.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Often there are no signs or symptoms when prostate cancer is in its early stages. Unfortunately, because the growing tumor does not push against anything, there may be no physical pain for several years. That’s why speaking to your physician about screening for prostate cancer is essential to early detection. However, as the disease progresses there are signs to be aware of.

Symptoms and Signs of Prostate Cancer

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in urine stream
• Painful or burning urination
• Blood in semen
• Discomfort in pelvic area
• Bone pain
• Erectile dysfunction

Diagnostics

Transperineal biopsy - This is the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer. A transperineal biopsy is a newer approach for detecting prostate cancer that has benefits for both patient and surgeon, the transperineal prostate biopsy targets the perineum, the area between the testicles and anus. It has decreased risk for infection compared to the more traditional prostate biopsy, is a more comfortable procedure for the patient, and is appropriate for men who have an elevated PSA or are at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Fusion MRI - one of the newest and most advanced technologies available to diagnose and monitor prostate cancer is the MRI/Ultrasound Fusion-Guided Prostate Biopsy. MRI images of the prostate are fused or blended with real-time ultrasound images using special computer software known as computer-aided detection (CAD). This allows the provider to target the biopsy of the suspicious areas much more accurately than the standard TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) biopsy. This is performed as an outpatient service.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

The Genitourinary Multidisciplinary Clinic at the Lifespan Cancer Institute provides a variety of treatment options for all its patients, including advanced radiation oncology services, robotic surgery, and access to clinical trials.

Treatment Services

• One-time consultation, evaluation and second opinion
• Screening and diagnostic tests
• Medical oncology
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Technical and surgical services
• Minimally invasive surgery

Prostate Cancer Surgery

The surgeons at the Minimally Invasive Urology Institute work in close collaboration with the oncologists at the Lifespan Cancer Institute to offer precise diagnosis and treatment options for prostate cancer patients.

By utilizing a variety of imaging technologies the teams are able to locate, analyze, and determine the best course of treatment.

Surgical Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

• Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, using minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection, in which the pelvic lymph node is removed and sent for pathology analysis
• Brachytherapy, an internal radiation therapy delivered by the implant of small radioactive seeds at the tumor site.