Prostate Cancer Explained: What to Watch for and How It’s Treated
Health Articles
Q: What is prostate cancer?
A: Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the prostate gland, a small organ that produces seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm. It is one of the most common cancers in men and often grows slowly without causing symptoms in early-stage.
Q: What causes prostate cancer?
A: Prostate cancer develops when genetic mutations cause cells in the prostate to grow uncontrollably and avoid dying. These abnormal cells can form a tumor, damage surrounding tissues, and potentially spread to other parts of the body (a process called metastasis).
Q: Who is at risk for prostate cancer?
A: Key risk factors include:
Age: Common in men over 50
Ethnicity: More prevalent in Black men
Family history: A close relative with prostate cancer increases risk; having BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations also raises risk
Obesity: Linked to higher chances of aggressive cancer
Q: What are common symptoms of prostate cancer?
A: Prostate cancer in its early stages may not cause symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include:
Difficulty urinating
Weak urine flow
Blood in urine (hematuria) or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Bone pain
Unintentional weight loss
If these symptoms persist, consult a doctor promptly.
Q: How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
A: Screening tests include:
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A gloved finger is used to feel for abnormalities in the prostate
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Elevated PSA levels can indicate inflammation, enlargement, or cancer
Q: What happens if prostate cancer screening results are abnormal?
A: If initial screening suggests abnormalities, further diagnostic tests may be recommended to confirm the presence of cancer. These include:
Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): A small probe inserted into the rectum uses sound waves to produce images of the prostate
Prostate Biopsy: A thin needle is used to collect tissue samples from the prostate for laboratory analysis
Q: How is prostate cancer severity determined?
A: To evaluate how aggressive the cancer is, doctors commonly use two tools:
Gleason Score: Rates cancer aggressiveness from 6 to 10
6 = Low-grade
7 = Medium-grade
8–10 = High-grade
Genomic Testing: Identifies mutations and helps predict disease behavior
Q: How is prostate cancer staged?
A: After diagnosis, imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, PET scans, bone scans, or ultrasound help determine how far the cancer has spread:
Stage I–II: Localized in the prostate
Stage III: Spread to nearby tissues
Stage IV: Spread to distant organs
In some early-stage cases, immediate treatment may not be necessary. Instead, doctors may recommend active surveillance, which involves regular blood tests, rectal exams, and prostate biopsies to monitor the cancer over time. If the cancer shows signs of progression, treatment such as surgery or radiation can then be considered.
Q: What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
A: Treatment depends on cancer stage, aggressiveness, health status, and personal preferences. Options include:
1. Surgery
Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and surrounding tissues
Techniques include:
Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: Uses robotic tools through small abdominal incisions
Retropubic surgery: A long incision is made in the abdomen to access the prostate; less commonly used
2. Radiation Therapy
Kills cancer cells with high-energy rays
Options include:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivered over weeks or in higher doses over fewer sessions
Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate for continuous low-dose radiation
3. Focal Therapy
Targets only the cancerous portion of the prostate
Techniques include:
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
Cryotherapy
Laser ablation
Photodynamic therapy
4. Ablation Therapy (Freezing or Heating)
Destroys prostate tissue using extreme temperatures
Methods include:
Cryoablation: Freezes cancer cells
HIFU: Uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and kill cancer tissue
Suitable for small or inoperable cancers and when other treatments aren’t an option
5. Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
Reduces testosterone, which fuels cancer growth
Approaches include:
LHRH/GnRH agonists or antagonists: Suppress testosterone production
Anti-androgens: Block testosterone from reaching cancer cells
Orchiectomy: Surgical removal of testicles to quickly lower testosterone levels
Used before surgery, for inoperable cancer, or to slow advanced cancer
6. Chemotherapy
Uses drugs to kill fast-growing cells
Often recommended when cancer has spread, or hormone therapy fails
7. Targeted Drug Therapy
Focuses on specific mutations (e.g., BRCA) in cancer cells, helps block abnormal growth pathways and promote cancer cell death
Q: Can prostate cancer be cured?
A: Yes. Localized prostate cancer is often curable, especially with early detection. In advanced cases, treatments can manage the disease, relieve symptoms, and extend life expectancy.
Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: You should consider seeing a doctor for prostate cancer screening if you:
Are over 50 years old
Have a family history of prostate or breast cancer (including BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations)
Belong to a higher-risk group, such as Black men
Experience urinary or reproductive changes, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss
Even without symptoms, early screening is recommended for those at higher risk. Regular checkups improve the chances of detecting prostate cancer early when it is most treatable.
At Vejthani Hospital, every prostate cancer case is reviewed with precision through our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach. This means specialists—including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncology pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, geneticists, and oncology nurses—collaborate during our weekly Tumor Board Conference to analyze patients’ medical data and develop the most effective, personalized treatment plan. By combining medical expertise with integrated care, our goal is to ensure each patient receives accurate, timely, and comprehensive treatment—enhancing both outcomes and quality of life.
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