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Prostate Gland
The prostate is a male reproductive gland, shaped much like a chestnut that surrounds the beginning of the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder). It lies in front of the rectum. The prostate’s role is to produce seminal fluid — a vital component of semen — which supports sperm health and motility: essential for fertilization.
What is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is most commonly found in men aged 50 and over, though it can occasionally occur in younger men. The onset of the disease may be subtle; sometimes a lump or increased size is felt in the prostate, yet it may not cause discomfort. The exact causes remain unclear, but there are believed to be several contributing factors — including age, genetics, diet, environment, and ethnicity. In recent years, the increasing use of health screening has made prostate cancer the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among men.
Symptoms
In the early stages, prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. Once the tumour grows large or spreads, symptoms may arise, depending on tumour size and location. Typical symptoms include:
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urine flow
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in urine
- In advanced cases, the cancer may spread to nearby organs, lymph nodes, or — most commonly — the bones. This may lead to bone pain (e.g. in the lower back or hips).
- If the cancer compresses nerves near the spine, patients might experience weakness in the leg.
- It may also impair sexual function — difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection, pain during ejaculation, or blood in semen.
How Prostate Cancer is Detected
Because prostate abnormalities can stem from various causes, and because early prostate cancer may show no symptoms, early detection relies on screening tests. Methods include:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): A lubricated, gloved finger is gently inserted into the rectum to feel for abnormal size, shape, or hardness of the prostate.
- Urine test: May detect blood or signs of infection in the urinary tract.
- Transrectal ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualise the prostate’s structure and any abnormal masses.
- Blood test for Prostate‑Specific Antigen (PSA): Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate inflammation, enlargement, or cancer. If the PSA (or other tests) suggest abnormalities, a biopsy may be performed to confirm cancer.
- In some cases, imaging such as MRI may be used for further assessment.
Prostate cancer is typically classified into stages:
- Localized — Cancer confined to the prostate and adjacent tissues.
- Regional — Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Metastatic — Cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other organs.
Treatment Options
Whether prostate cancer can be cured — and which treatment is most suitable — depends on various factors: the stage of disease, how aggressive the cancer is, the patient’s general health, and personal preferences.
Common treatment options include:
- Surgery — Removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy), sometimes along with surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Techniques vary: open surgery (via abdomen), laparoscopic (minimally invasive), or robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Robot-assisted surgery tends to offer smaller incisions, faster recovery, and reduced risk of side effects such as urinary incontinence.
- Radiation Therapy — High-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells. Options include external beam radiation (delivered over several weeks) or brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implanted directly into the prostate to deliver continuous low-dose radiation). In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be recommended.
- Focal Therapy / Ablation — For early or small tumours confined to part of the prostate, treatments that target only the affected tissue may be considered. Methods include:
- High‑Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
- Cryotherapy (freezing the cancerous tissue)
- Laser ablation
- Photodynamic therapy
- Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) — Because prostate cancer is often driven by male hormones, therapies that reduce testosterone production or block androgen effects can slow growth. This may include medications, or — in some cases — surgical removal of the testicles. Hormone therapy is often used if cancer has spread or when other treatments aren’t suitable.
- Chemotherapy or Systemic Therapy — For more advanced or metastatic cancer, systemic treatments (chemotherapy, and/or targeted or immunotherapy if indicated) may be used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Postoperative Care for Prostate Cancer Patients
- When detected early and localised, prostate cancer is frequently curable.
- For advanced cases, even if a cure is not possible, treatment can effectively manage the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.
- After surgery, care involves regular follow-up including PSA checks, avoiding strenuous physical activity for several weeks, and temporarily limiting activities (e.g. heavy lifting, sexual intercourse) to allow healing. There may also be temporary side effects such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction, but rehabilitation programmes help with recovery.
When You Should Consult a Doctor
It is strongly recommended that men begin regular prostate screening — especially those who are over 50, or have a family history of prostate cancer — even if they feel healthy and have no symptoms. Early detection significantly increases the chance of successful treatment, often with fewer complications and minimal impact on quality of life.
For more information, please contact
Cancer Center, Vejthani International Hospital
Call: (+66)2-734-0000 Ext. 2720, 2721
English Hotline: (+66)85-223-8888
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