Prostate Cancer Specialist

What is Prostate Cancer?

Many types of cells are found in the prostate, however almost all prostate cancers form from the gland cells. These are the cells which make the prostate fluid that is added to semen. This is known as adenocarcinoma. Other types of cancer that can begin in the prostate gland include:

• Sarcomas
• Small cell carcinomas
• Neuroendocrine tumors (apart from small cell carcinomas)
• Transitional cell carcinomas

However, adenocarcinoma is the most common. Many prostate cancers will grow very slowly as well.

Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early?

For some forms of cancer, screening tests can help to find cancers at an earlier stage, when they are more easily treated. Prostate cancer can frequently be found early by screening for the amount of PSA or prostate-specific antigen in a man’s blood. Another way to locate prostate cancer is the digital rectal exam, where the urologist puts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. If the results are irregular, additional testing is required to see if cancer is present. If prostate cancer is found using these screenings, it will typically be at an earlier, more treatable stage than if no screening had been performed. Currently, the American Cancer Society suggests that men should have a discussion with their doctor to determine if screening is right for them.

How is Prostate Cancer Treated?

Once the prostate cancer has been diagnosed and the severity determined, there will be a variety treatments available. The severity and general health of the patient will determine what treatment will be the best for the particular situation. Depending on the case, the treatment options for men with prostate cancer can include:

• Expectant management or active surveillance
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Cryosurgery or cryotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Vaccine treatment
• Bone-directed treatment

These treatments are typically used one at a time to test their effectiveness, however in some instances they can be combined.