If you’re a man over 50, it’s time to visit a physician to discuss your risks for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 7 men in the US and is most often diagnosed in men between 40 and 70 years old.
As is the case with many medical conditions, treatment for prostate cancer is typically easier and produces the best results if applied during the earliest stages. If you or your doctor feels you may be at risk for prostate cancer, there are multiple tests that can be performed to make a diagnosis.
There may be no obvious symptoms of prostate cancer, or there may be urinary difficulties, including leaking, excessive urination at night, and a weak urinary stream.
How is Prostate Cancer Found?
There are several ways a doctor may screen for prostate cancer. One is a simple blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. If the levels of a substance created by the prostate are abnormal (higher than 4 nanograms per milliliter), it can indicate prostate cancer.
Another screening a doctor may perform is called a digital rectal exam (DRE). In this test, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for any abnormalities.
If a doctor feels it is necessary, a biopsy can be used to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging may be used during the biopsy to direct the needle. During a TRUS, a lubricated probe is inserted into the rectum to transmit sound waves to create images of the prostate. In a biopsy, small samples of the prostate are removed and then examined under a microscope. A core needle biopsy is the method most often used to diagnose prostate cancer; this procedure is usually performed by a urologist.
What if Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed?
In most cases, prostate cancer is typically slow in terms of growth. Depending on a number of factors, such as patient age, health, and how aggressive the cancer is, a doctor may recommend surveillance only, plus lifestyle and dietary changes. In other cases, treatment such as noninvasive radiation therapy or more traditional surgery is required.
Early detection is key when it comes to your treatment options for prostate cancer. If caught early, it often can be treated non-invasively with CyberKnife radiation therapy, which is the most cutting-edge treatment available. Also known as Radiosurgery it destroys tumors with pinpoint accuracy, resulting in few if any side effects. And since there is no cutting, there is also no downtime and few if any mild side effects.
A big bonus, you only need 5 treatment sessions over 10 days instead of 45 over 3 months with other types of radiation therapy. To learn more about CyberKnife or to schedule a consultation call (800) 204-0455 or 305-279-2900 and visit our website www.prostatecancertreatmentmiami.com