Prostate Cancer

When patients receive treatment for prostate cancer early enough, they can lead long, active lives. Unfortunately, many men put off having a prostate exam. At Cypress Urology in Cypress, Texas, board-certified urologist Kumaran Sathyamoorthy, MD, MPH, and physician assistant Maelyn Dishman, PA-C, understand your concerns and strive to put you at ease. Their expert care can prevent you from becoming one of the many men who die of prostate cancer every year. To arrange an exam, call Cypress Urology today or go online to request an appointment.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which is under your bladder. The prostate produces semen, which mixes with sperm from your testicles when you ejaculate.

Cancer develops when cells in your prostate mutate. They undergo genetic changes that make them reproduce rapidly and extend their lifespan. As a result, tumors form in the prostate tissue.

Most prostate cancers develop slowly and don’t spread beyond the prostate gland. However, certain kinds are aggressive, growing quickly and spreading to your bones, organs, and other tissues.

What symptoms does prostate cancer cause?

Early symptoms of prostate cancer may resemble those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. These include:

• Problems starting urine flow
• A weak urine stream
• Urine flow that stops and starts
• Leakage after urinating
• Urinary urgency (an intense, sudden urge to urinate)
• Urinating more than eight times a day
• Incontinence (being unable to prevent urination)
• Nocturia (frequent bathroom trips at night)

As the tumor progresses, you might experience additional symptoms, such as blood in your urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, and painful ejaculation. You might also start losing weight without trying and develop aching or pain in your lower pelvic area and/or bones.

It’s important to know that you can have prostate cancer without experiencing any symptoms. In addition, early detection and treatment are highly effective in managing prostate cancer and preventing an untimely death. For these reasons, it’s vital to undergo a regular prostate exam.

How is prostate cancer treated?

The prostate cancer treatment that’s best for you depends on your cancer type and how advanced it is. Slow-growing cancers contained within the prostate gland often don’t need treatment, just routine monitoring to identify any changes.

If you do require treatment, options include:

• Radiation therapy
• Brachytherapy (placing radioactive material in the prostate tissue)
• Cryoablation (freezing the cancer cells with cold gas)
• High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to heat the prostate tissue
• Hormone therapy to reduce testosterone levels
• Chemotherapy (medications that kill growing cells)
• Immunotherapy (boosting your immune system’s ability to fight cancer)
• Targeted drug therapy

Men often find it tough to talk about symptoms affecting urinary and sexual functions or dislike the idea of having a prostate exam. This reluctance leads to many preventable prostate cancer deaths each year.

To arrange a prostate exam or ask your urologist about any prostate cancer symptoms you experience, call Cypress Urology today or book an appointment online.