Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing prostate cancer usually involves a combination of screening and specific tests. At healthXY, we use different methods to ensure an accurate diagnosis
Table of Contents
Diagnosis
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This is a blood test that checks PSA levels. High PSA levels could mean prostate cancer, but other conditions can also cause high PSA. It’s important to note that a high PSA level doesn’t always mean cancer—other conditions like an enlarged prostate or an infection can also cause elevated PSA.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): During a DRE, the doctor feels the prostate to check for anything unusual in size, shape, or texture. While it may be uncomfortable, the exam is quick and can provide important information about potential abnormalities in the prostate.
- MRI Scan: An MRI can give a clearer picture of the prostate and help find any suspicious areas. MRI imaging is often used to guide biopsies and help determine the exact location and size of the cancer, improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
- Biopsy: If the PSA test or DRE suggests cancer, a biopsy is done. A small piece of prostate tissue is taken and checked under a microscope to see if there are cancer cells. The biopsy is often guided by ultrasound or MRI to ensure that samples are taken from the most suspicious areas.
- Gleason Score: The Gleason score helps determine how aggressive the cancer is by grading the tissue sample from the biopsy. The score ranges from 6 to 10, with higher scores indicating more aggressive cancer. This helps doctors decide on the best course of treatment.
Staging
Once prostate cancer is diagnosed, staging helps determine how far it has spread. This might involve:
- Bone Scans: To see if the cancer has spread to the bones. A radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken to see if the cancer has moved to the bones, which is a common site for prostate cancer metastasis.
- PSMA PET/CT Scans: To check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. These scans provide detailed images of the organs and tissues and help doctors understand the extent of the disease and guide treatment.
Treatment
The treatment for prostate cancer depends on how advanced it is, your overall health, and your preferences.
healthXY offers a variety of treatments to meet each patient’s needs.
Active Surveillance and Watchful Waiting
- For men with low-risk prostate cancer, active surveillance may be recommended. This means closely monitoring the cancer with regular PSA tests, MRI Scans, and perhaps repeat biopsy to catch any changes early. It is often chosen when the cancer is not causing symptoms and is growing very slowly, reducing the risk of overtreatment and its side effects.
Surgery
- Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Surgery: healthXY also offers minimally invasive options like robotic-assisted surgery, which allows for more precise removal of the prostate and quicker recovery. Robotic surgery uses small incisions and robotic arms controlled by a surgeon, which can lead to less pain, less blood loss, and faster healing.
Radiation Therapy
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Radiation beams are aimed at the prostate to kill cancer cells. The radiation is carefully targeted to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR): Radiation beams are precisely guided to the prostate to kill cancer cells. The treatment can be given over 5 days.
- Brachytherapy: This involves placing tiny radioactive seeds inside the prostate to deliver radiation directly to the cancer over time. Brachytherapy allows for high doses of radiation in a localized area and is effective for treating early-stage prostate cancer.
Hormone Therapy
- Hormone therapy aims to lower androgen levels or stop them from affecting the cancer cells, which slows down the growth of the cancer. It might be used before radiation to shrink the tumour or if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. Hormone therapy can be given as injections, pills, or through surgery to remove the testicles, which produce most of the body’s testosterone.
Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. It’s often used if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and hormone therapy isn’t working anymore. Chemotherapy may cause side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infection, but these side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with supportive care.
Immunotherapy
- Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight prostate cancer. healthXY offers advanced immunotherapy for patients whose cancer hasn’t responded to other treatments. This treatment can help the body recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively, and it is an area of ongoing research and development.
Targeted Therapy
- Targeted therapy drugs focus on specific changes in cancer cells. These therapies are used if the cancer has certain genetic mutations, allowing for a more personalized treatment. Targeted therapies are often used when other treatments are not effective, and they can sometimes have fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
Side Effects and Support
Treatments for prostate cancer can cause side effects like tiredness, trouble controlling urine, problems with erections, and digestive issues.
healthXY provides support to help manage these side effects, including access to physiotherapists, dieticians, and counsellors to help maintain quality of life during treatment.
- Managing Urinary Incontinence: Incontinence can be a common side effect of prostate surgery or radiation. healthXY provides pelvic floor exercises and other therapies to help regain control of bladder function.
- Addressing Sexual Health: Erectile dysfunction is a significant concern for many men undergoing prostate cancer treatment. healthXY offers medications, devices, and counselling to help address sexual health issues and maintain intimacy.
- Nutritional Support: Eating well during cancer treatment is essential. Dietitians at healthXY provide personalized nutrition plans to help patients manage treatment side effects and maintain energy levels.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Choosing a treatment is a personal decision that you should make with your healthcare provider. At healthXY, we aim to give patients all the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their treatment options, so they feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey. Every patient’s situation is unique, and healthXY is here to help you understand the pros and cons of each treatment, providing the information needed to make the best decision for your health and lifestyle.
Preparing for Your Appointments
When preparing for an appointment regarding prostate cancer, it’s helpful to be as organized as possible. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your appointments:
- Write Down Your Questions: Before your appointment, make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor. This could include questions about symptoms, treatment options, side effects, and any lifestyle changes you may need to make.
- Bring a Family Member or Friend: Having someone with you can provide emotional support and help you remember the information provided by your doctor. They can also take notes for you during the appointment.
- Be Honest About Your Symptoms: Let your healthcare provider know about any symptoms or side effects you are experiencing, no matter how minor they may seem. This will help your doctor recommend the best treatment plan for you.
- Know Your Medical History: Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any family history of prostate cancer, other medical conditions, and any medications you are currently taking.
- Take Notes: During your appointment, take notes so you can review the information later. It can be difficult to remember everything that is discussed, so having notes can be very helpful.
Living with Prostate Cancer: Coping and Support
Living with prostate cancer can be challenging, and it’s important for patients to work with their healthcare providers to manage symptoms and complications.
healthXY provides support for people living with prostate cancer, including resources, expert consultations, and support groups to help manage symptoms, treatment, and overall well-being.
healthXY offers several resources to help patients cope during and after treatment:
- Support Groups: healthXY offers support groups where individuals can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. These groups provide emotional support, shared experiences, and practical advice for dealing with prostate cancer.
- Counseling Services: Professional counseling can help patients cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Counselors at healthXY work with individuals and families to provide support and develop strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
- Nutritional Guidance: Maintaining a healthy diet is important for managing prostate cancer. healthXY provides access to dietitians who can help patients create balanced meal plans that support treatment and overall health.
- Emotional and Practical Support: healthXY also offers individual and group counseling sessions to help manage the stress and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis. Practical advice is provided to deal with side effects like urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
- Family Involvement: healthXY provides resources for family members to help them understand what their loved one is going through and how they can provide support.
Staying informed, seeking support, and maintaining a positive outlook can make a significant difference in the journey of living with prostate cancer. healthXY is here to assist every step of the way, providing both medical and emotional support to help patients live fulfilling lives.
Get in Touch
Get in touch with us today! Our dedicated team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. We encourage you to reach out to us via email, phone, or by filling out our convenient online form. Your inquiries are important to us, and we look forward to providing you with the support you need.
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