Prostate Cancer

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized organ located below the bladder in men. The prostate produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. While many prostate cancers grow slowly, some types can be aggressive and spread quickly.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is one of the first tools used for prostate cancer screening. Normal levels of PSA are between 0-4 ng/dL. However, benign conditions such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, urinary tract infections, recent instrumentation, among others, can also elevate your PSA.

Prevalence and Risk Factors

• Incidence: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in men in the United States.

• Annual Statistics (U.S.):

  • Over 288,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

  • More than 34,000 deaths annually, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

• Lifetime Risk: About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

• Risk Factors:

  • Age: Most cases occur in men over 50.

  • Race: African American men have a higher risk and are more likely to develop aggressive forms.

  • Family History: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases a man’s risk.

  • Genetics: BRCA mutations and other inherited syndromes may increase risk.
    
    

Signs and Symptoms

Prostate cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Difficulty urinating or weak urine stream

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Blood in urine or semen

• Erectile dysfunction

• Pain in the hips, back, or chest (if cancer has spread)

Note: These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Screening and Diagnosis

At our practice, we emphasize early detection through:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test

• MRI Imaging and Prostate Biopsy for further evaluation when indicated

We use advanced diagnostic tools and precision imaging to accurately stage the cancer and guide treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to the cancer stage, grade, patient age, and overall health. Our services include:

• Active Surveillance: Close monitoring for low-risk, slow-growing cancer

• Surgical Treatment:

  • Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy – minimally invasive removal of the prostate

  • Focal therapy: Cryoablation, High-intensity focal ultrasound (HIFU), Nanoknife 

• Radiation Therapy:

  • External beam radiation or brachytherapy (seed implants)

• Hormone Therapy: To suppress testosterone, which fuels cancer growth

• Advanced Therapies (in the event of metastatic disease):

  • Chemotherapy

  • Immunotherapy and targeted agents for advanced/metastatic cases

I work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to ensure comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.