Do All Prostate Cancers Need to be Treated?

by | Mar 10, 2023

Everything You Need to Know about Prostate Cancers

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. While it is a serious condition, not all cases of prostate cancer require treatment. Some cases may not even cause any symptoms or pose a significant health risk. With each situation being so different, it can lead to difficult decisions for patients and their doctors as they weigh the potential benefits and risks of various treatment options.

In this blog, we will explore whether all prostate cancers require treatment, and examine the various factors that can influence treatment decisions.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects men. As the name suggests, this cancer affects the prostate gland found right below the bladder and in front of the rectum. However, not all prostate cancers are the same. Here are the different types of prostate cancers you can get diagnosed which include:

These types of cancers are rare. Most prostate cancer patients are diagnosed with the more common adenocarcinoma. Some types of cancers spread fast, while others develop slowly. In most cases, prostate cancer poses less risk because the cancer is slow-spreading and rarely affects the patient.

Read More: 7 Things Every Man Should Know About Prostate Cancer

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In its early stages, prostate cancer does not present any obvious symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may start to occur. These symptoms may include:

  • Weak urine flow. Patients will struggle to maintain a strong and steady urine stream when using the toilet. This symptom is most common at night.
  • Frequent urination at night. The need to use the bathroom may be sudden and urgent.
  • Pain sensation when urinating. This sensation may range from a mild sting to a full-on burning pain every time you pee.

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is still unknown, some people think that genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors may play a role in its development.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

While the good news is that prostate cancer is typically slow-growing, it still requires regular monitoring to ensure the safety of the patient. Typically, doctors use active prostate cancer surveillance, sometimes called active surveillance protocol, to monitor and keep track of your prostate cancer. This is a valuable tool in the fight against cancer, and many experts recommend that men get screened for prostate cancer regularly, as it’s vital that prostate cancer is discovered early to ensure proper management.

Related: Questions to Ask Your Urologist About Prostate Cancer

Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Depending on the course of treatment chosen, you will work with different specialists on your road to recovery, including urologists and oncologists. For those who have less severe symptoms prostate cancer surveillance will be the first step for treatment. If your tumor is actively growing and negatively affecting your sex life, the doctor will recommend the best course of action and how to proceed.

On the opposite end of this spectrum is the patient with advanced or aggressive prostate cancer that needs immediate treatment. These patients still go through prostate cancer active surveillance protocol, but with the intent of getting surgery or radiation. But, what does the surgical procedure look like, and how does radiation work? Let’s take a look.

Surgery

Depending on how severe your case of prostate cancer is, your doctor may choose to remove the prostate gland to prevent the growth of your tumor into surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. This surgical procedure is called a radical prostatectomy. If your prostate cancer has infected surrounding tissue, the surgeon will also remove affected tissue during surgery. Thanks to technology, there will typically be minimal wide incisions, just a few small holes will allow the surgeon to access the affected area.

After this surgery, common side effects include trouble controlling urine and difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. These side effects may wear off with time.

Radiation

This type of treatment uses high-energy beams focused directly on the cancerous cells to prevent further growth. Radiation is typically recommended if your cancer is large enough to cause problems throughout the rest of your body. Some patients will undergo radiation after surgery to ensure any potentially leftover cancer cells die off. Some patients have prostate cancer that spreads to the bone. In this case, radiation is also a great option.

While there are other prostate cancer treatment options available, like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, your doctor will recommend the best treatment option depending on your specific prostate cancer. Most prostate cancer patients live a healthy and active lifestyle after a cancer diagnosis. It is important to learn more about your urinary tract and other body parts to catch early signs of declining health before it’s too late. Additionally, you can visit a clinic near you to get your prostate cancer active surveillance protocol.

Urology Specialist of the Carolinas is Here for You

If you have any questions or concerns about urological health, don’t hesitate to contact the Urology Specialist of the Carolinas. Our team of experienced urologists is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to each of our patients. From routine check-ups to advanced treatments, we offer a wide range of services to help you maintain optimal urological health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier you.

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