PROSTATE CANCER



Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas (originates in the cells which release mucus and other liquids). Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Advanced prostate cancer may cause men to urinate more frequently or have a weak stream of urine, although these symptoms are also linked to benign prostate conditions.

Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and the majority of men with prostate cancer are older than 65 and do not die from the disease.

Our goal is to achieve the best treatment for prostate cancer according to the genetic characteristics of each patient’s tumor.
 

SYMPTOMS of prostate cancer
These and other symptoms may be indicative of prostate cancer or other conditions:
  • Sudden urge to urinate.
  • Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
  • Needing to urinate more frequently.
  • Difficulty in beginning to urinate.
  • Difficulty in emptying the bladder completely.
  • Pain or burning sensation on urinating.
  • Blood in urine or semen.
  • Chronic pain in the back, hips or pelvis.
  • Shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or pale skin due to anemia.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS to detect prostate cancer
To diagnose prostate cancer, any of the following tests that examine the prostate and blood may be performed:
  • Physical examination and review of the patient’s medical records.
  • Digital rectal examination (DRE).
  • Prostate specific antigen test (PSA).
  • Transrectal ultrasound.
  • Transrectal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
  • Biopsy.

TREATMENTS for prostate cancer
A number of options are available for the treatment of localized, non-metastatic prostate cancer:
  • In certain cases with good prognosis, doctors may opt for comprehensive monitoring and initiate treatment only when/if it becomes necessary. In other cases, they may opt to begin treatment with curative intent immediately, such as a prostatectomy, surgical extraction of the gland, or radiation therapy - either external or by introducing a source of radiotherapy inside the prostate itself (brachytherapy).
  • At more advanced stages, the first line of treatment is usually hormone therapy, which slows tumor growth and blocks its effects. If this is not effective then chemotherapy is administered. Thanks to recent advances, this has the potential to increase survival with manageable side effects.