What Is Advanced Prostate Cancer?
Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Prostate cancer can vary in aggressiveness, ranging from slow-growing tumors that may not cause significant harm to aggressive forms that require immediate medical attention. While the exact causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood, factors like age, family history, and certain genetic mutations can increase the risk.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
In the early stages, prostate cancer may not display noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may experience symptoms such as1:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak urine flow
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a doctor. To diagnose prostate cancer, various tests may be conducted, including a digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and imaging studies such as a transrectal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Types of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a complex disease and can have different subtypes based on the cells involved. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which develops from the glandular cells in the prostate. Other types, such as small cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors, are less common, but may require specialized treatment approaches.2
Treatment Options
At Apex Cancer Care, we offer the most experienced multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer treatment, personalized to each patient’s specific needs.
Surgery
Surgical options, such as radical prostatectomy or minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, may be considered to remove the prostate gland or cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy
Medications are used to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, or in cases where surgery is not an option.
Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is a common approach that can be used to target and destroy cancer cells. We utilize a linear accelerator, which is a new automated technology that enables us to deliver the most accurate treatments possible.
Active Surveillance
For some cases, particularly in early-stage and slow-growing cancers, active surveillance may be recommended, which involves monitoring the cancer’s progression without immediate intervention.
Hormone Therapy
Prostate cancer cells often rely on hormones for growth. Hormone therapy aims to block the effects of hormones on cancer cells or reduce hormone levels to slow down the cancer’s progression.
Immunotherapy
Innovative immunotherapy treatments may be utilized to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
1Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Prostate cancer symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
2American Cancer Society. (n.d.). What is prostate cancer? American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html
Learn About Thrive Beyond – Urologic Wellness
Great outcomes don’t happen by chance—they’re the result of an intentional, purpose-driven effort. This is especially true when recovering sexual and urinary function after pelvic surgery or radiation. While outcomes vary, Thrive Beyond – Urologic Wellness equips men with the tools and support to maximize recovery and find solutions if challenges remain beyond the initial healing period.
Click here to learn about the active steps of the Thrive Beyond program.
Click here to learn about the passive steps of the Thrive Beyond program.
