PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT
The prostate is a gland situated only in males. Prostate cancer arises from the uncontrolled growth of prostate cells.
The prostate is an essential gland that aids urination and produces prostate-specific antigen (PSA), maintaining semen in its fluid state. Seminal vesicles, which are situated behind the prostate gland, produce fluid that comprises semen.
A man’s prostate size varies as he ages, being about the size of an apricot at a young age but can become much larger as he gets older.
What causes prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer starts in the glandular cells due to a change in its genetic material or what is otherwise known as a mutation. Changes in the prostate cell’s DNA prompt a rapid mutation, causing cells to multiply uncontrollably and form a tumour.
DNA variations can either be inherited from a parent or can be acquired during a person's lifetime.
Risk factors are:
- Age (50 and over)
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Obesity
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Initially, in the early stages, there are no symptoms of prostate cancer. The symptoms may differ for each man, and any of these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions. These can include a variety of urinary symptoms (because of the proximity of the prostate to the bladder and urethra) such as:
- Urinary incontinence
- Blood in your urine (Haematuria)
- Traces of blood in your semen
- More frequent urges to urinate at night
- Difficulty urinating – starting or stopping
- Burning or pain during urination
- Erectile dysfunction
It is important to go for regular prostate examinations. Routine screenings in the form of digital rectal exams and PSA are needed. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) are enzymes released into the bloodstream with prostatic disease or injury). These examinations should start from the age of 40 years. Depending on the initial PSA result, it will be determined how regularly these examinations should be repeated.
Prostate Biopsy
If prostate cancer is suspected, a prostate biopsy is necessary based on abnormal blood measurement (PSA blood test) or clinical examination. This is completed by taking a sample of prostate tissue. Dr Theron looks at the prostate during the biopsy with an imaging test such as transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). He then inserts a thin, hollow needle into the prostate. When the needle is retracted, it removes a small cylinder (core) of prostate tissue. This is repeated several times. Dr Theron will take about 12 core samples from different parts of the prostate. The biopsy is done with a special spring-loaded biopsy instrument. The device inserts and removes the needle within less than a second. The biopsy can be carried out under local or general anaesthesia. The biopsy samples will be transferred to a lab, where they will be inspected under the microscope to see if cancerous cells are there. Getting the pathology results usually takes 1 to 3 days. The prostate biopsy results will determine the cause of your symptoms, and if cancer was diagnosed, Dr Theron would discuss your treatment options with you.
Dr Theron performs the following procedures to treat prostate cancer:
- Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
This is the removal of the prostate gland as well as lymph nodes and seminal vesicles to stop the spread of prostate cancer. Radical Prostatectomy is an ideal procedure to treat cancer restricted to the prostate gland. - Brachytherapy
This is a well-modulated, popular procedure to kill cancer cells within the prostate gland slowly. Brachytherapy entails implanting seeds containing radiation inside the prostate tissue. This allows using a higher total dose of radiation to treat a smaller area in less time. This procedure is ideal for slow-growing prostate cancer that has not yet advanced beyond the prostate gland. - Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy reduces the production of testosterone, the male hormone that nourishes prostate cancer cells. There are medications to stop the growth of cancer cells by reducing testosterone in the body or medication that prevents testosterone from reaching and feeding prostate cancer cells. This is used in advanced cancer or when radical management with surgery or radiotherapy is not feasible.
MALE UROLOGY
FEMALE UROLOGY
PAEDIATRIC UROLOGY
GENERAL UROLOGY
CALCULI OF THE KIDNEYS, BLADDER AND URETER
