Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer begins when cells in your prostate start to grow out of control. Most prostate cancers, called adenocarcinomas, originate in glands that produce the fluid that forms semen.

Prostate adenocarcinomas are slow-growing cancers. As a result, prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, with your risk increasing after you reach 50.

Though rare, you may develop other types of prostate cancer, such as small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, sarcomas, and transitional cell carcinomas.

In many cases, prostate cancer is discovered during a routine digital rectal exam (DRE), long before you have symptoms. Once symptoms develop, you experience one or more of the following.

• Difficulty urinating
• Blood in your urine
• Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain during ejaculation
• Lower back or leg pain
  
  

The severity of your symptoms depends on the size of the tumor.

Deciding when to have a prostate cancer screening is an individual decision you base on your medical history, overall health, and risk factors. After your Gulf Coast Urology provider determines your risk factors, you can work together to decide when you should have screening.

As a general guideline, men with a high risk for prostate cancer usually get their first screening around the age of 40 to 45. If your risk is average, your provider may recommend waiting until you’re 50.

Screening is performed with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for tumors. Your provider may also perform a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If DRE and PSA results are positive, your Gulf Coast Urology provider may perform a diagnostic ultrasound or recommend a prostate biopsy to confirm your diagnosis.

In lieu of a biopsy, other options can yield more information on your overall risk for prostate cancer. These options include ordering a dedicated prostate MRI and genetic testing such as a 4k score. Your urologist can provide more information about these alternative testing options.

Many options are available for treating prostate cancer, depending on its stage. Because it’s a slow-growing cancer, you may not need immediate treatment. Your Gulf Coast Urology provider may recommend closely monitoring the tumor and starting treatment when it enlarges.

Your individualized treatment plan may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor
• Radiation therapy before or after surgery
• Chemotherapy if it spreads
• Hormone therapy to make the tumor shrink
  
  

If you have prostate cancer, experienced and compassionate care is available at Gulf Coast Urology. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices or use the online booking system.