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Prostate Cancer FAQs
Prostate Cancer FAQs in Brooklyn and Queens
According to the American Cancer Society, 186,320 prostate cancer cases and 28,660 prostate cancer-related deaths were recorded in 2008. In 2009, 40,000 Americans had to undergo a prostatectomy (complete or partial removal of the prostate gland). Among male patients today, prostate cancer (PCa) is the deadliest cancer in America and the second deadliest in Europe (after lung cancer).
Below, award-winning physicians Dr. Vitaly Raykhman and Dr. Yuly Chalik. from the New York Urologic Institute answer your questions about prostate cancer. These practicing surgeons were named America’s Top Urologists of 2009 and 2010.
Doctor, what are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Can a man diagnose himself for this disease?
Unfortunately, prostate cancer lacks distinct characteristics. All of its symptoms are nonspecific and are manifested in the disturbance of functions in damaged organs. When a tumor is growing, it narrows the urethra. This leads to abnormalities in frequency of urination and incontinency. Pain may occur in the kidneys and extremities, and is often caused by metastatic disease and obstruction (overlap) of the upper urinary tract.
Therefore, in the early stages of the disease, the patient is not even aware of the presence of a tumor. That’s why men over age 45 are strongly encouraged to undergo an elective urological examination at least once a year.
How do you diagnose prostate cancer?
The first step in diagnosing prostate cancer is through analyzing PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in blood. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be taken. A biopsy is the only test that can fully confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is done using a special ultrasound instrument, which is inserted into the rectum to take a few (6-12) fragments from different parts of the prostate gland.
Because we have our own laboratory and certified pathologist to quickly and accurately study the prostate cells, we can identify the level of PSA in blood directly at our clinic.
When the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is given a CT Scan in order to determine the presence of metastases in other organs. I can say that all radiological diagnoses and treatment procedures are conducted at the state-of-the-art Accord Physicians Urology Division Radiological Center, which is accredited by the American Institute of Radiology.
Given the complexity of the diagnosis and of prostate cancer in general, coupled with the similarity of symptoms of prostate cancer and adenoma, we encourage readers to be tested only using modern equipment at the most up-to-date clinics.
What methods of treatment are offered at New York Urologic Institute?
When choosing a method of treatment, we take into account the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age, the risk of complications, as well as the wishes of the patient. To date, the most effective procedure is a surgical one.
We use a special, minimally invasive technique in order to reduce blood loss, as well as to preserve the normal function of the urethral sphincter (and hence the ability to urinate normally), and sexual function. During the operation, anesthesia is used along with antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection.
A common method for combating prostate cancer is radiotherapy. It should be noted that interstitial radiation therapy (which became available at Accord Physicians in 2009) has received accreditation for compliance with the AAAHC. This method involves radiation sources (microscopic needles) being implanted into the thickness of the tumor. This eliminates many side effects of radiotherapy associated with unavoidable exposure to nearby healthy tissue, but also exposes the prostate to higher levels of radiation.
Another common method for combating prostate cancer is hormone therapy. This type of therapy is palliative, and is used if the patient is unable to resort to other methods of treatment. Because prostate cancer is made up of hormone-dependent tumors, the use of anti-androgenic therapy (blocking male sex hormones) is effective in 70-80%% of cases in patients with metastatic disease.
What would you say to men suffering from prostate cancer?
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer doesn't mean you should give up and stop fighting. The New York Urologic Institute can successfully treat this type of cancer if it is diagnosed in its early stages. At more advanced stages, prostate cancer often responds well to hormonal therapy. This treatment can prolong the lives of prostate cancer patients for years.
We recommend that all men be more attentive to their health and to seek professional medical help when symptoms first develop.