- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
Prostate is a gland located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum, deep inside the pelvis. It is part of the reproductive system and along with the seminal vesicles produces seminal fluid that is needed for sperm survival and function.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Risk of prostate cancer increases with age and with having a family history of prostate cancer. Having an enlarged prostate gland by itself is not a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Fortunately, most prostate cancers are not fatal and many men end up dying with their prostate cancer and not from it. However, there are some very lethal prostate cancers and their early detection and treatment can be a difference between life and death.
Prostate cancer is usually not symptomatic but if locally advanced can cause symptoms. These symptoms can include:
Diagnosing prostate cancer usually involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies and prostate biopsy.
Common imaging studies include Ultrasound, pelvic MRI, CT scan, PET scan and/or bone scan.
Physical examination in the form of digital rectal exam (DRE), involves palpating the prostate gland through the rectum, assessing for any abnormalities.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a common blood test that is often used in combination with the DRE to screen for early stage prostate cancer.
Importantly, neither the PSA, DRE nor any of the imaging studies mentioned above diagnose prostate cancer. They may suggest that prostate cancer is present, but they do not establish its diagnosis.
The gold standard for prostate cancer diagnosis is a prostate biopsy.
Many options exist for prostate cancer treatment. Choice of treatment will depend on cancer type, its aggressiveness, patient age and other medical conditions and of course patient preference.
These options include but are not limited to:
More aggressive prostate cancers may require a combination of different treatments to maximize effectiveness.
It is recommended that most men begin prostate cancer screening around age 50. Men who are at higher risk of prostate cancer, such as those with a strong family history of aggressive cancer and men of African descent, may benefit from earlier screening.
Fortunately most prostate cancers are slow growing and are not very aggressive. It may take years for slow growing and non aggressive prostate cancer to spread to other parts of the body. Some of the more common sites of cancer spread are lymph nodes and bones and less common sites are liver and lungs.
The best way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating more fruits and vegetables, consuming less fatty foods, maintaining your optimal weight, regular exercise and not smoking cigarettes. More frequent ejaculation may also reduce the risk.
We are dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive urologic care, offering you necessary and appropriate evaluations and treatments that you may need to feel and be healthy. With years of experience in urologic care, we are the team that you can trust.
Urologic Surgery of NWI is your source of reliable information and excellent urologic cancer care in the region. We closely collaborate with our radiation oncology and medical oncology colleagues to improve your cancer outcomes. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
We will work together to jointly find the best treatment plan for you. We respect your wishes and are here to empower you to make your own decisions regarding your health and well being. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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