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Answers to common questions about
prostate cancer
and prostate cancer surgery |
Fighting
Prostate Cancer
The Second Leading Cause of Death in Men
According to the American
Cancer Society, more than 186,000 men were diagnosed with prostate
cancer in the United States last year, and more than 28,000 men died
of the disease. With these startling statistics, it is important for
men and their families to be aware of the disease, understand who is
most at risk and what they can do today to lower their chances of
battling prostate cancer.
What is
prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer refers to
abnormal cells in the prostate gland, which is part of the male
reproductive system. The prostate is situated just below the bladder
and in front of the rectum. A normal prostate is about the size of a
walnut.
Who is at
risk for prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer can affect men
of any age but it is most common in men over the age of 50. Eight
out of 10 men who suffer prostate cancer are over the age of 65.
African-American men are at higher risk as well as men with a
family history of the disease. Men who eat a high-fat diet or
who are obese also may have increased chances of getting prostate
cancer. The strongest association is genetic. If your father,
uncle or brother had prostate cancer you have a much higher risk of
developing the disease and should probably start screening at age 40
or even earlier.
What can
be done to lower the risk of getting the disease?
While researchers continue to
study the effect of diet and other lifestyle factors on a man’s risk
of developing prostate cancer, there are some changes that may be
associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Men are
encouraged to eat a diet low in fat, especially animal fat, and
include more fruits and vegetables. According to the National Cancer
Institute, studies show that a diet high in dairy products and
calcium may also be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer,
although the increase may be small.
What are
the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In most cases, early stage
prostate cancer does not produce any symptoms, but they may
begin to appear as the cancer grows. Symptoms include:
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· Difficulty starting to
urinate
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· Less force to the stream of
urine
-
· Frequent urination,
especially during the night
-
· Pain while urinating
-
· Blood or pus in the urine
-
· Pain in hip, lower back or
lower part of the pelvis
-
· Unintended weight loss and/or
loss of appetite
What
types of options are available to treat prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer can be treated
successfully if it is caught early, before it spreads to other parts
of the body. Surgery, Radiation therapy, Cryoablation and Hormonal
treatment are all reasonable options in the appropriate clinical
setting. One new treatment option for patients is the development of
a revolutionary new form of prostate surgery, the
robotic prostatectomy, which allows the surgeon to
perform minimally invasive procedures, such as removal of the
prostate, in hard-to-reach areas with more precision. Because this
technology is less invasive than other surgical options, patients
experience minimal pain, minimal blood loss and a faster recovery.
Patients undergoing this procedure can expect an excellent chance of
cure with return to normal activities within days.
At the Urology Center of
Excellence at Jackson South Hospital internationally recognized
surgeon Dr. Razdan and his highly experienced and skilled team of
assistants are now even offering outpatient robotic surgery
for prostate cancer. Fortunately, in the majority of cases,
patients are not troubled with incontinence
or impotence. Dr. Razdan
recently developed his own technique of “Athermal combined antegrade
and retrograde nerve preservation” which has resulted in vastly
superior outcomes with respect to erectile function.
After surgery, our Penile Rehabilitation Program is
uniquely suited to working individually with each patient in a
compassionate manner to ensure the excellent results this center has
come to be recognized for.
How can
men learn more about prostate cancer and the various treatment
options?
The Urology Center of
Excellence at Jackson South Hospital and the International
Robotic Prostatectomy Institute are resources for
state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatment for prostate and
other urologic problems. The Center is staffed by internationally
recognized physicians who are experts in these types of diseases.
Dr. Razdan’s Cancer Support Line which has hundreds of
patients enrolled is another valuable resource for patients seeking
insight into prostate cancer treatment and what to expect after
surgery.
For more information or to
schedule an appointment call the Urology Center of Excellence at
Jackson South at 305-547-2364.
International Robotic Prostatectomy Institute
Urology Center of
Excellence of South Florida
Comprehensive Stone Center of Miami
Deering Medical Plaza
9380 SW 150th Street, Suite 200
Miami, Florida 33176
(305) 251-8650
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