Prostate Cancer would depend on the stage of the disease, grade of the disease, PSA test results, general health condition, age of the patient, and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment might include active surveillance, surgery such as radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and any other advanced treatment. A urologist or oncologist can recommend the best treatment depending on your evaluation. If your looking for Prostate Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad then this blog guides you for proper diagnosis.
Patients seeking treatment for their urological and oncological diseases will find an ideal healthcare facility where their prostate related issues can be evaluated and discussed by qualified medical practitioners at Excel Orthopedic & Kidney Care Hospital.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small walnut shaped gland located between the penis and the bladder. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra and adds fluid to the semen.
Different types of prostate cancer vary in their rates of development. Some prostate cancers grow slowly. Other types can be very aggressive. For this reason, there is no uniform treatment for all patients with prostate cancer. Medical doctors take into consideration the factors like stage, grade, PSA levels, and whether it has spread from the prostate to other organs in the body.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
A person with prostate cancer may not have any symptoms at all. Nevertheless, the symptoms that may appear will be associated with difficulties while urinating.
These symptoms can be:
- Difficulty starting the urination
- Weakness or stopping during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urinating more frequently during the night
- Difficulty with urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in back, hips or pelvis sometimes
None of these symptoms mean that there is prostate cancer since they can occur in case of enlarged prostate, infections and other disorders in the gland.
What causes prostate cancer?
Causes of prostate cancer are very different and depend on various factors like age and family history.
These things will be considered by the doctor:
- Age
- Prostate cancer in the family
- Genetic changes in specific genes
- Health status and personal risk factors
Even though these factors increase the risks of prostate cancer, they don’t mean that the disease will develop.
When should you visit a doctor?
Men can think about visiting a doctor in case of new or bothering urination problems.
Evaluation is needed if the man suffers from:
- Urination problems
- Hematuria and hematospermia
- Important changes in urination routine
- Constant pains in the pelvis, hips or back
- Positive test results for PSA test
High probability of developing prostate cancer according to the family history.
The consultation will help to determine whether it is prostate cancer or something else.
How Can Diagnose Prostate Cancer?
Can a PSA test diagnose prostate cancer?
PSA test is not sufficient for diagnosing prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland and its elevated values may indicate either prostate cancer or benign prostate enlargement or even an infection. Additional tests may be necessary in this case.
Depending on your situation, it may include the following:
- Taking medical history and physical examination
- PSA test of blood sample
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) when necessary
- Imaging studies based on results of your medical evaluation
- Biopsy in order to diagnose prostate cancer
It allows taking samples of your prostate tissue and examining it in the lab. This may reveal the grade of your prostate cancer, including the Gleason score.
Why is staging necessary?
When your prostate cancer has been diagnosed, doctors may perform some tests to find out whether your cancer is localized or has already spread somewhere else.
This information is crucial for planning further therapy, as it depends on different factors like PSA value, Grade Group, extent of cancer infiltration of the prostate and spread of cancer cells beyond the prostate.
What Is the Best Treatment for Prostate Cancer?
There is no universal treatment that will be suitable for everyone suffering from prostate cancer. The choice of therapy will depend on different parameters such as stage and grade of cancer, PSA level, patient’s age, presence of other diseases and his preferences.
The following methods can be used:
1. Active Surveillance
Active surveillance involves regular observation of men suffering from low risk prostate cancer with the help of testing. Such surveillance might be necessary when the patient needs no treatment because of the current state of the disease.
2. Prostate surgery
Prostate surgery may be considered when cancer is localized and the patient is a good surgical candidate.
One of the most common surgical procedures is radical prostatectomy that involves removal of prostate and its neighboring tissues such as seminal vesicles, in some cases pelvic lymph nodes evaluation and resection can be performed.
Surgery is often a good treatment modality for certain patients; however, there can be some side effects associated with the procedure. Urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction are among them. They should be discussed with a surgeon prior to any decision being made.
3. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is used to destroy or control cancer cells through application of radiation. It can be external or internal radiation treatment depending on the situation.
Radiation can be used as a primary treatment for localized prostate cancer and also plays its role in treatment of other disease stages depending on the patient’s condition.
4. Hormonal therapy
Androgens are male hormones that promote growth of prostate cancer cells. Hormonal therapy, also known as ADT (androgen deprivation therapy) reduces the amount of androgens produced or interferes with their action.
Hormonal therapy may be used as a single or additional treatment depending on certain cancer features and stage.
5. Chemotherapy and other therapies
Chemotherapy or other systemic therapies including targeted and immunotherapies are used in certain advanced or recurrent types of prostate cancers.
What Patients Should Consider for Prostate Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad ?
When you are searching for prostate cancer treatment in Ahmedabad, the first step should be an appropriate medical evaluation rather than selection of the treatment modality depending on your symptoms or internet sources.
The discussion of treatment may include the following aspects:
- PSA levels
- Results of biopsy
- Gleason score/Grade Group
- Cancer stage
- Results of imaging
- Age, general health
- Existing diseases
- Side effects of the treatment
- Personal preferences
- Quality of life
Patients of Excel Orthopedic & Kidney Care Hospital can consult about prostate related issues and treatment options taking into account their clinical case.
Prostate Surgery – Post-Operative Course Of Recovery
The post-operative course of recovery following prostate surgery depends on the type of operation performed and the individual case in question.
A person may be told about:
- Urinary catheter care (when required)
- Physical activity
- Caring for wound
- Medication
- Appointments
- Urinary functions
- Sexual health and rehabilitation when required
Your doctor will give you details on what to expect during recovery and at what point you can start to go back to your usual daily routines.
One thing to remember is that every person’s post-operative recovery process is different.
Prevention of Prostate Cancer
Unfortunately, there is nothing one can do to prevent this disease for sure. Maintaining overall health and discussing individual risk factors with your physician is recommended though.
A person who is at higher risk of having prostate cancer because of family history or other risk factors should talk to his doctor about testing for it.
Testing should be individualized since PSA test has some limitations along with its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is prostate cancer treated in Ahmedabad?
The treatment for prostate cancer may depend on the stage, grade and overall health of the patient and may include observation, prostate surgery, radiation treatment, hormone therapy etc.
2. Does prostate surgery apply to all cases of prostate cancer?
Not necessarily. There are many aspects that determine how the condition will be treated – depending on the risk of cancer, overall health of the patient etc. Not everyone needs surgery.
3. Can prostate cancer lead to urinary issues?
Yes. Prostate cancer complications may lead to such urinary conditions as a weak urine flow, frequent urination, difficulties while urinating and inability to empty the bladder. However, there may be other causes of these symptoms.
4. Is high PSA level an indicator of cancer?
No. High PSA level may also be caused by prostate gland enlargement or inflammation. Some additional testing might be required.
5. Where can I get the treatment for my prostate cancer in Ahmedabad?
You can see a competent urologist or oncologist. Excel Orthopedic & Kidney Care Hospital offers consultation for prostate and urological problems.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer has no single definitive treatment modality. Prostate cancer diagnosis, its staging, Grade Grouping, PSA value, general health, and patient conditions are significant factors in determining which prostate cancer treatment option is suitable for the case at hand.
In case you, or your loved one, experience urinary symptoms, or your PSA results show abnormalities that may suggest prostate cancer, a consultation with a doctor will be essential to clear the air.
Excel Orthopedic & Kidney Care Hospital, Ahmedabad is where you can get advice about prostate and urological issues and treatment options from experienced doctors.
