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Prostate Cancer Overview:

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system located below the bladder. Its primary function is to produce fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. Prostate cancer in men begins when normal cells in the prostate grow abnormally and uncontrollably. It is the most common type of cancer in India and globally, affecting nearly 1 in 9 men in their lifetime.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it:

  • Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly after age 50.
  • Family history: If your father had prostate cancer or if it runs in your family, it increases the son’s risk as well.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight is linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
  • Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed foods may increase the risk.
  • Genetics: Certain genetic abnormalities may increase susceptibility to prostate cancer.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

Early-stage prostate cancer often presents with no noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, individuals may experience:
  • Difficulty in urinating or passing a weak stream
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Pain or discomfort in the pelvis, lower back, or thighs

Diagnostic Tests for Prostate Cancer:

Several tests are used to diagnose prostate cancer:

  • Digital rectal exam (DRE): Your urology doctor using a gloved finger feels the prostate gland through the rectum to check for abnormalities.
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. An elevated PSA level may indicate prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions.
  • Prostate biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed from the prostate and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer:

Depending on the age of the patient, stage of the cancer and its aggressiveness, various treatment options may be considered:

  • Effective monitoring: Examining the cancer closely without immediate treatment for slow-growing tumours in advanced age groups.
  • Surgery: Removal of the entire prostate gland (radical prostatectomy).
  • Radiation therapy: Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
  • Hormone therapy: Lowering testosterone levels to slow the growth of cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Using medication to kill cancer cells, typically for advanced stages.

Prostate Cancer Surgery Care:

Surgery, particularly robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, is a common treatment option for early stage prostate cancer. Here's what to expect:

  • Before surgery: Preoperative assessments, anaesthesia discussions, and potential blood product transfusions may be necessary.
  • During surgery: Minimally invasive techniques using robotic arms allow for precise removal of the prostate with minimal blood loss and shorter recovery times.
  • After surgery: Pain management, monitoring for complications, and catheter removal are crucial.

Recovery:

While prostate cancer surgery is life-saving, it can be a challenging task to get back to living life after surgery. Thanks to minimally invasive surgical options which makes recovery faster and smoother. Generally, it takes around 3-4 weeks to recover and resume normal activity.

FAQs:

  1. Are prostate cancer permanently curable?
    2. Yes, in early stages of cancer
  2. Are prostate cancer symptoms constant or slow-growing?
    3. Symptoms of cancer are slow growing and many are incidentally detected during general health check.
  3. Is prostate cancer hereditary?
    4. Yes, certain genes can be inherited and can predispose them if their parents/siblings had prostate cancer.
  4. Can prostate cancer occur at a young age?
    5. Hereditary prostate cancer can occur at an early age otherwise it starts after 50 years. So hereditary prostate cancer needs screening at early ages.
  5. Can prostate cancer spread to other people?
    6. No.
  6. How often should prostate cancer screening be done?
    7. Once a year if your last check was normal. If found to be abnormal, it needs to be checked at frequent intervals, preferably 3 months.
Since prostate cancer is mostly asymptomatic, we urge you to undergo an early detection and intervention to effectively diagnose the condition and make a customized treatment plan. At NU Hospitals, Bangalore, consult our team of experienced urologists for comprehensive care, from advanced diagnostics to skilled surgery and compassionate aftercare.

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