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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Most often men are affected after the age of 60 however in rare cases even younger men can be affected especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer. Today we have excellent cancer markers to detect this cancer earlier and also we have excellent treatment options to cure this cancer, therefore all men above the age of 50 should be more aware of this cancer.

Why does this cancer occur and how can we prevent it?

Prostate is a reproductive organ and therefore is functional and useful when the man is in the reproductive stage of his life. However after he crosses the age of 50 this gland becomes redundant and then the chance of cancer also increases. It has been observed that sexually active men have lesser chance of cancer, and therefore I recommend sexual activity three times per week for all married men for their entire life. Also intake of antiandrogen drugs like finasteride can reduce the chance of cancer, however they have their own side effects. However these drugs can be used in individuals with chance of prostate cancer development, as in those men with family history of prostate cancer.

 

Early detection of this cancer?

Like all cancers this cancer is also silent in the initial stages and therefore we rely on cancer markers for its early detection. PSA or prostate specific antigen is an excellent cancer marker for this cancer. It is a simple and inexpensive blood tests and can point towards the possibility of prostate cancer. However if the PSA is elevated it does not confirm prostate cancer. It can also be elevated in prostatic infection and obstruction or stagnation of urine. Therefore to confirm the presence of cancer the uro- oncosurgeon depends of biopsy of the prostate. This is performed painlessly via the transrectal route and is the only method to confirm the presence of prostate cancer.

 

How do we stage the cancer?

Stage of the cancer means assessment of the extent of spread of the cancer. This is best performed nowadays with a PET CT scan called PSMA pet CT scan.

This scan can assess the entire body and demonstrate spread of the cancer wherever it has spread in the body. This gives the surgeon and the patient an accurate idea of the spread of the disease and also guidance regarding the best method to treat the patient.

Curative treatment for organ confined disease

When the cancer is located within the confines of the prostate gland we can cure the cancer. This is best achieved by radical prostate surgery. This surgery is performed nowadays with machine assisted surgery. This surgery is better than open surgery since the prostate is located deep down inside the lower abdomen of men and therefore accessing it via open surgery is often difficult but can be much better achieved by machine driven surgery like laparoscopy.

Recovery after surgery

In the hands of an experienced uro-cancer surgeon, the surgery is performed in three to four hours, time and the patient can return home after three days. The patient is catheter free after two weeks and can resume normal life after three weeks of the surgery. Excellent Urinary continence is generally achieved within a short period of time, and the patient can lead a normal life.

Follow up after radical prostate surgery

These patients are generally followed up for ten to fifteen years after surgery. Each year twice they are checked for their PSA levels in the blood. If there is elevation of PSA levels after surgery, this indicates return of cancer. In these cases there is excellent antiandrogen therapy which is administered by our medical oncology colleagues and these patients are also assured of excellent quality of life for a very long time.

Message

1 prostate cancer is a very common cancer in men above 50 years of age
2 all men after 50 should have yearly prostate cancer screening
3 PSA is an excellent cancer marker
4 prostate cancer can be cured by radical prostate surgery, performed by laparoscopy
5 we can assure excellent quality of life without pain for these men.

 

 
 

  1. What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid.

 

  1. What are the early signs of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. In later stages, symptoms may include trouble urinating, blood in urine or semen, or pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.

 

  1. How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

It’s usually diagnosed with a PSA blood test, a digital rectal exam (DRE), imaging tests, and confirmed by a prostate biopsy.

 

  1. What causes prostate cancer?

The exact cause is unknown, but factors like age, genetics, race, and lifestyle may increase the risk.

 

  1. What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

Risk factors include being over 50, having a family history, and eating a high-fat diet.

 

  1. Can prostate cancer be prevented?

There’s no sure way to prevent it, but healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight may lower your risk.

 

  1. What is the survival rate for prostate cancer?

The 5-year survival rate for most men with prostate cancer is nearly 100% if caught early.

 

  1. What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?

The Best Treatment is Radical surgery by laparoscopy with or without removal of testis .

 

  1. What happens if prostate cancer is left untreated?

It can spread to bones and other organs, becoming life-threatening.

 

  1. Is prostate cancer hereditary?

Yes, having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles your risk.

 

  1. How fast does prostate cancer grow?

Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and may not cause problems, while others are more aggressive.
 

  1. What is the PSA test?

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test measures PSA levels in the blood, which can be higher in men with prostate cancer.

 

  1. When should you get screened for prostate cancer?

Men should discuss screening with their doctor starting at age 50, or earlier if at higher risk.

 

  1. Can prostate cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, it commonly spreads to bones and lymph nodes.

 

  1. What are the side effects of prostate cancer treatments?

Side effects may include incontinence, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and bowel problems.

 

  1. What foods help prevent prostate cancer?

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (like from fish) may help lower risk.

 

  1. Does an enlarged prostate mean cancer?
No, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.

 

  1. How painful is prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer is usually painless. Advanced stages can cause significant pain, especially if it spreads to the bones.

 

  1. How long can you live with prostate cancer?

Many men live for decades, especially if the cancer is detected early and treated properly.

 

  1. Can you have sex after prostate cancer treatment?

Yes, but some treatments may cause erectile dysfunction. Treatments and therapies are available to help.

 

 

Best prostate cancer surgeon in Kolkata?

 

The best Prostate Cancer Surgeon in Kolkata is Dr. Avishek Mukherjee, Dr. Mukherjee has done MBBS from AIIMS New Delhi and Master of Surgery from AIIMS and MCh from PGI – CHANDIGARH, he has done more than 500 laparoscopic radical prostate surgeries (removal of prostate cancer through small incisions without cutting) Dr. Avishek Mukherjee is available from Monday to Saturday at NKPC Kidney Clinic, Kolkata, for appointment call – 8420017061 (24 X 7)