Overview of Prostate Cancer in Treasure Valley
If there is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate, it is certainly possible that this could be a case of prostate cancer. The prostate is an organ that solely exists in males, as it is a vital part of the semen production process.
Prostate cancer can often be treated effectively when detected early, making regular screenings and prompt medical attention essential. At Idaho Urologic Institute in Treasure Valley, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options to help you manage your health with confidence.
Call us today at (208) 639-4900 to schedule a consultation and take a proactive step toward your well-being.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Due to the location of the prostate and its proximity to the urinary system, many signs of prostate cancer will relate to urinary function or the general pelvic region. Such symptoms often include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Weakened urine stream
- Pain within the pelvis or low back
- Blood in urine and/or semen
- Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Loss of control of the bladder or bowels
- Increased frequency of urination
The list of symptoms above may describe a variety of urology conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is important that you seek treatment if you notice any of these warning signs, as it is always best to catch a condition in its earliest stages, especially if that condition does in fact turn out to be cancer.
Different Types of Prostate Cancer
There are multiple unique forms of prostate cancer that men are at risk of developing. This risk is influenced by a variety of factors such as older age, family history, race, and obesity.
Depending upon where in the prostate the abnormal cells develop, a man may have one of five different types of prostate cancer. Most often, this particular form of cancer is classified as an adenocarcinomas. Other types consist of:
- Transitional cell carcinomas
- Small cell carcinomas
- Sarcomas
- Neuroendocrine tumors
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Regardless of what form of prostate cancer has affected an individual, each will require diagnostic imaging and maybe also a biopsy to confirm a definitive diagnosis.
We can help diagnose prostate cancer.
Some of the forms of testing include:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – this is a blood test to help measure the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that may be in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males. It is often the first indicator of prostate cancer or a risk.
- Prostate Ultrasound Guided Biopsy – your provider may request gathering a small tissue sample (biospy) from your prostate gland to see if there is any cancer or inflammation. This is often done through the anus and rectum, using an ultrasound-guided technique, so it is very straightforward with minimal discomfort.
- Transperineal Prostate Biopsy – this is another option for a tissue sample, but instead uses a needle through the skin into the prostate between the scrotum and rectum to provide a safer, less invasive, and more effective option.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
After you have talked with your doctor and discussed your diagnosis, you can move on to treatment options.
In some cases, you may have to have your tumor removed from the prostate regardless of whether or not it has been identified as cancerous. The primary reason for this being that large growths on or within the prostate can cause a wide range of troublesome symptoms until the tumor is removed.
If prostate cancer is found and it is in the advanced stages, don’t lose hope. There are several treatment options that have proven effective to target the cancer and reduce the risk of spreading.
Treatment options may include:
- Watchful waiting to monitor the condition if no spreading has occurred
- HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) powerful waves resulting in localized heating that destroys the cells in the gland without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue
- Hormone therapy to lower testosterone
- Chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells throughout the body
- Radiation therapy or high-energy beams to kill the cancer in a specific area
- SpaceOAR a hydrogel used in radiation therapy to help reduce the radiation dose delivered to the surrounding healthy organs
- Targeted therapy and PARP inhibitors for specific gene mutations
- Immunotherapy to use your own immune system to fight the cancer cells
- Surgery if a potential option to surgically remove the cancer cells
Schedule a Prostate Cancer Treatment Consultation in Boise, ID
If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer or are at risk, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Idaho Urologic Institute in Boise, ID, offers expert care and advanced treatment options to help manage your prostate health. Call us today at (208) 639-4900 to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward your well-being.
