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What is Prostate Cancer?
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What are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?
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Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
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Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
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Latest Innovation in Prostate Biopsy: Skin Surface Biopsy
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Sampling from Suspicious Lesions
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Next-Generation MR-Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy
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Prostate Cancer Treatment
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What is Prostate CancerFrequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer
In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the field of health due to developing technology. These developments have also brought innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases. Liv Hospital Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eymen Gazel emphasizes that with new technologies and the most up-to-date methods, diagnoses are being made more accurately. Providing information about prostate cancer, Dr. Gazel highlights that prostate biopsy is the most reliable method for diagnosing prostate cancer. The latest innovation in prostate biopsy is that the biopsy procedure is performed not through the rectum (anus) but through the perineal area, i.e., the skin surface.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. However, when detected early, it can be treated appropriately. In order to treat prostate cancer, the factors contributing to the development of the disease should be addressed by providing an answer to the question 'What causes prostate cancer?' Prostate cancer occurs as a result of the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is an organ about the size of a walnut located below the bladder in men and it produces seminal fluid that helps nourish sperm.
What are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known. However, there are some suspected risk factors, including:
- Age: Becomes more common with age. Men over the age of 65 have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men under the age of 50.
- Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men of other races.
- Genetic mutations: Some genetic mutations can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Symptoms of prostate cancer can vary from person to person and sometimes may not be evident. However, some symptoms can be observed clearly during the diagnosis stage of the disease:
- Urinary Problems: Since the prostate is located just below the urinary tract, when it enlarges, it can cause problems with urination. Symptoms may include frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty urinating, straining to urinate, and weak or interrupted urine flow.
- Blood in Urine or Semen: Since the disease can affect the urinary tract or seminal vesicles, blood may be seen in urine or semen.
- Erectile Dysfunction: In some men, prostate cancer can lead to erectile dysfunction (difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection).
- Back or Hip Pain: As prostate cancer progresses, it can spread to the bones, leading to back or hip pain.
Prostate symptoms often do not manifest in the early stages of the disease, hence regular medical check-ups and screenings are important.
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
The diagnosis of prostate cancer is made using a combination of several tests.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: PSA is a protein secreted by the prostate gland. Men with high PSA levels have a higher risk of prostate cancer.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): During a DRE, the doctor manually examines the prostate gland using a finger.
- Prostate biopsy: Prostate biopsy involves taking tissue samples from suspicious areas of the prostate gland. This procedure is the most reliable method for diagnosing prostate cancer. Additional tests may be required to determine the stage of cancer in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Latest Innovation in Prostate Biopsy: Skin Surface Biopsy
In addition to known screenings such as PSA tests, which are evaluated through blood analysis, advanced imaging methods like three-tesla prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to increase the accuracy and early detection of prostate cancer. While all these screening tests provide a risk ratio for cancer, the definitive diagnosis is made through pathological examination with the help of a biopsy.
Sampling from Suspicious Lesions
The prostate is a gland found in men, often likened to the size and shape of an orange. In MRI images taken with suspicion of prostate cancer, cancerous foci, sometimes smaller than 1 cm, can be observed in one or more areas of this gland. Making an accurate diagnosis for the patient involves taking samples (biopsies) from these small lesions.
In order to capture these small suspicious areas, the MR-ultrasound (USG) fusion method is now used in prostate biopsies. In this method, previously taken multiparametric MRI images of the patient are transferred to the ultrasound (USG) device used for biopsy, allowing the precise localization of the tumor. Thus, instead of blindly taking samples as in traditional biopsies, biopsies are performed directly from the suspicious focus with a guided approach. This way, patients receive an earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
Next-Generation MR-Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy
The latest innovation in prostate biopsy involves performing the biopsy procedure not through the rectum (anus) but through the perineal area, i.e., the skin surface. The distinctive features and advantages of this system are:
- Targeting the suspicious lesion by combining MR and ultrasound images.
- Reduced risk of infection as the procedure is performed through the perineal (skin) area rather than through the rectum (anus).
- The patient's biopsy map is recorded in the computer system. Thus, if cancer is detected in the sample taken, the exact coordinates of the lesion are known, enabling non-surgical (focal) treatments.
- Due to the reduced risk of infection and rectal bleeding, perineal (skin surface) biopsies are considered much more comfortable and safer for patients.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The treatment of prostate cancer is personalized, taking into account the patient's overall health, the extent of tumor spread, and other factors. The treatment plan typically includes the following methods:
- Watchful Waiting (Active Surveillance): In some cases, prostate cancer may grow slowly and may not cause any problems for the patient for a certain period. The doctor can closely monitor the patient's condition.
- Surgery: Surgery is a common option for treating prostate cancer. Prostate surgery involves surgical intervention to remove or correct the prostate gland. This surgery, known as radical prostatectomy, may involve the removal of part or all of the prostate.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill tumor cells or control their growth.
- Hormone Therapy: Prostate cancer often responds to hormones. Hormone therapy aims to control tumor growth by blocking hormone production or its effects.
- Chemotherapy: It is done with drugs used to kill prostate cancer cells or control their growth. Chemotherapy is usually preferred for advanced-stage prostate cancer.
- Immunotherapy: It is a treatment method used to strengthen the immune system or increase the reaction against prostate cancer cells. Targeted Therapies: It is done with drugs that focus on specific genetic or molecular characteristics of prostate cancer cells.
These treatments aim to directly target cancer cells. Prostate medication is a pharmaceutical treatment method used to treat prostate diseases and typically alleviate symptoms.
What is Prostate Cancer Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer
People often wonder about the symptoms, risk factors, early detection methods, and various treatment options for prostate cancer. Furthermore, patients and their families also research how prostate cancer can be prevented and the quality of life after treatment.
Does Prostate Cancer Kill?
Prostate cancer can be fatal if left untreated. However, if diagnosed early and effectively treated, the risk of death significantly decreases.
Does Prostate Cancer Spread to Other Organs?
Prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). Places where prostate cancer can spread include bones, liver, lungs, and brain.
Is There a Definite Cure for Prostate Cancer?
Treatments can control or eliminate cancer and extend lifespan. The treatment of prostate cancer varies depending on the stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and the patient's preferences.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
