Understanding Your Prostate

The following webinar led by Dr. Mark Hong guides you through the conditions affecting the prostate and the treatment options available.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer threatens the normal function of the prostate and if left undetected, may spread to other parts of the body.

This cancer originates within the prostate, a small gland located in the male reproductive system. It is responsible for producing seminal fluid along with other essential components in semen production. Small changes, or mutations, to the body’s natural cells, can cause them to become cancerous and rapidly multiply within the prostate. As cancer cells accumulate, they hijack nutrients from non-cancerous cells and damage glandular tissue.

In more advanced stages, the untreated buildup of cancer cells can lead to reproductive and urinary problems, and even spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to effectively treat.

Signs and Symptoms

Rarely are there any signs or symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. This is why regular prostate exams and other diagnostic tests, such as a PSA blood test, are recommended to identify and prevent the advancement of cancer cells.

Whenever any signs and symptoms do appear, it’s usually an indicator the cancer has reached ‌advanced stages.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer typically include one or more of the following:

• Trouble urinating

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Frequent urination at night
• Trouble fully emptying the bladder
• Experiencing pain or burning while urinating

• Painful ejaculation
• Chronic pain in hips, pelvis or back
• Bone pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Unintentional weight loss

Who’s Most at Risk?

Older men are at the greatest risk of being affected by prostate cancer. It affects 1 in 8 men, making it the most common cancer among men, besides skin cancer. A man’s risk of developing cancerous cells increases as he ages.

Risk Factors for Developing Prostate Cancer

Age

Older men are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer

Race

African Americans are shown to have a greater risk than other races or ethnicities

Family History

Men who have a close relative with prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease

Genetics

Inherited mutations ‌in BRCA2 genes

Weight

Being overweight or obese

Early Detection

Detecting the presence of prostate cancer in the body is screened through a physical examination and blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). Additional blood and urine tests can tease out your risk of prostate cancer. Advanced imaging tests such as Prostate MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are important tools to get an accurate diagnosis. Through MRI-guided targeted prostate biopsies, a complete map of your cancer can help guide precise treatments. Additional testing may be used when prostate cancer is discovered.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) — A physician conducts a DRE by inserting their finger inside the rectum to determine if any abnormalities exist on the surface of the prostate. Any lumps, enlargements or areas of hardness may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

Blood Test — A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test routinely used to screen for cancer.

Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – A powerful imaging test to see where the cancer is within the prostate.

MRI-guided Fusion Prostate Biopsy – A targeted sampling of the prostate to precisely map the cancer.

After receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis, the current stage of cancer cell proliferation is established. Thankfully, prostate cancer is among the slowest types of cancer to grow within the body. However, some prostate cancers are aggressive and could spread outside the prostate. The Gleason Score in the biopsy pathology report tells how aggressive the cancer is and how the cancer may behave after diagnosis. Other tests can also help determine the best plan of action.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

• Active Surveillance
• Robotic Prostatectomy
• Radiation Therapy

• Includes External Beam Therapy, Brachytherapy, Proton Beam Therapy

• Cryosurgery
• Focal Laser Ablation
• HIFU
• TULSA-PRO