Mercy Robotic Surgery
The prostate is a relatively small gland in the male reproductive system that produces a fluid found in semen. It is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. Cancer of the prostrate is one of the most common cancers in men. With early diagnosis and treatment the prognosis for most men can be good.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
In addition to family history, the most common risk factors for prostate cancer are:
- age – men age 50+ are more likely to develop prostate cancer
- race – African-Americans are more likely than other races to develop prostate cancer
- high levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins)
- obesity/high body mass index (BMI) levels
While prostate cancer in its early stages is asymptomatic (shows no symptoms), if you notice any of the following conditions consult your doctor as they may be indicators of prostate cancer:
- frequent urination
- painful urination (“burning” sensation)
- weak or uninterrupted urine flow
- blood in the urine
- frequent lower back pain
- painful ejaculation
To diagnose prostate cancer your doctor will likely perform a simple physical exam and order a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Other diagnostic tests your doctor may order include:
- transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) – this test involves your primary care doctor or proctologist inserting a probe into your rectum to check your prostate for any abnormalities. The probe sends out sound waves that bounce off the prostate and creates a digital image that can be viewed by your doctor or proctologist on a computer monitor.
- prostate tissue biopsy – the only way to 100% confirm a cancer diagnosis is for a pathologist to examine a tissue sample. To obtain a prostate tissue biopsy sample your doctor will use a transrectal ultrasound to carefully insert and guide a needle through your rectum and into your prostate. The doctor will remove several small tissue samples, called cores, from various areas of the prostate and send the cells to the pathology lab for testing.