Prostate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options For Better Outcomes

1. Prostate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options For Better Outcomes Dr. Saket Narnoli

2. What is Prostate cancer? • Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland located in the male reproductive system, just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland produces a fluid that is a part of semen and helps to nourish and transport sperm. • When the prostate gland’s cells start to grow out of control and form a tumor, prostate cancer develops. If left untreated, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lymph nodes, which can lead to serious health complications. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and early detection is key to successful treatment.

3. Types of prostate surgery • Radical prostatectomy: This is the most common type of prostate surgery, and involves the complete removal of the prostate gland, including the seminal vesicles and some surrounding tissue. This can be done using open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery. • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This is a minimally invasive surgery that involves removing a portion of the prostate gland that is blocking the urethra, using a scope inserted through the penis. • Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): Like TURP, this surgery involves making small incisions in the prostate gland to relieve pressure on the urethra. • Laser surgery: This type of surgery uses a laser to remove or vaporize prostate tissue that is blocking the urethra. • Prostate cryotherapy: This is a minimally invasive surgery that involves freezing and destroying cancerous tissue in the prostate gland using extremely cold temperatures. • HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) therapy: This is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to destroy cancer cells in the prostate gland.

4. Prostate cancer Symptoms • Difficulty in urine or a weak urine flow • Frequent urination, especially at night • Pain or burning sensation during urination • Blood in the urine or semen • Erectile dysfunction • Pains and aches in the upper thighs, hips, or lower back. • Loss of appetite or weight loss • Fatigue

5. Prostate cancer Causes • Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men under 40 years old, but the risk increases significantly as men get older, with most cases diagnosed in men over the age of 65. • Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially a brother or father, are more likely to develop the disease. • Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in men of other races, and tends to develop at a younger age and be more aggressive. • Obesity: Men who are overweight or obese may have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, and the cancer may be more advanced when it is diagnosed. • Hormones: High levels of the male hormone testosterone may contribute to the development of prostate cancer. • Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, such as cadmium, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

6. Prostate Cancer Diagnosis • Digital rectal exam (DRE): During this exam, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate gland. • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test gauges the prostate gland’s protein, PSA, concentration. High levels of PSA can be an indication of prostate cancer, but other factors, such as an enlarged prostate, can also cause elevated PSA levels. • Biopsy: If the DRE or PSA test suggests the presence of cancer, a biopsy may be recommended. During this procedure, a small sample of prostate tissue is removed using a needle and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer. • Gleason score: This score is used to grade the aggressiveness of the cancer based on the appearance of cancer cells under the microscope.

7. Prostate cancer surgery • Radical prostatectomy: This surgery involves the removal of the entire prostate gland, as well as some surrounding tissue and the seminal vesicles. The goal of this surgery is to remove all the cancerous tissue. Radical prostatectomy can be performed using open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery. • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This surgery is used to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, but it can also be used to remove small, early-stage prostate cancers. During TURP, a surgeon inserts a resectoscope through the urethra to remove prostate tissue. • Cryosurgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves freezing cancerous tissue to destroy it. A thin needle is inserted through the skin between the scrotum and anus and into the prostate gland, where it delivers extremely cold gas to freeze the cancer cells. • Focal therapy: This is a newer type of prostate cancer surgery that is still being studied. It involves targeting and treating only the cancerous part of the prostate gland, while leaving the rest of the gland intact.

8. Thank You www.dhanbadurologist.com Dr. Saket Narnoli – Urologist