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Prostate Cancer Treatment in Atlanta

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a condition where malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Early detection and treatment are crucial, and our specialists at Advanced Urology are dedicated to providing the exact care you need to manage and overcome this condition.

We Offer The Best Treatment For Prostate Cancer In Atlanta

At Advanced Urology, we offer targeted and precise therapies for localized prostate cancer, ensuring minimal sexual and urinary dysfunction, with most treatments performed as outpatient procedures in our state-of-the-art surgery centers.

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Common Signs & Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

  • Trouble urinating.
  • Decreased force in the stream of urine.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Blood in the semen.
  • Bone pain.

  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area.
  • Swelling in the legs or feet.
  • Frequent need to urinate, especially at night.

Possible Causes
Of Prostate Cancer

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, doctors understand that it begins when cells in the prostate undergo changes in their DNA, which contains the instructions that control cell behavior. These changes cause the cells to grow and divide faster than normal, while abnormal cells survive when they should die. As these abnormal cells accumulate, they form a tumor that can invade surrounding tissue and, over time, some cells may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

Screening Options for Prostate Cancer

When prostate cancer is suspected or confirmed, several tests may be necessary to determine the stage, progression, and best course of treatment. Here are two common diagnostic and follow-up tests:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.

A small blood sample is taken and analyzed to determine the PSA level. Normal PSA levels are generally below four nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), but what constitutes "normal" can vary depending on age, race, and individual health. Higher levels may warrant further testing, such as imaging or a biopsy. It's a non-invasive test and can detect prostate cancer in its early stages, even before symptoms develop. It is useful for monitoring patients after prostate cancer treatment to check for recurrence.

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Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

During a DRE, a prostate cancer doctor manually examines the prostate through the rectum to feel for abnormalities, such as lumps or hard areas, which could indicate cancer. It can detect abnormalities that might not be identified through a PSA test alone. It's quick and typically only takes a few minutes.

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When to See a Doctor 
If You Suspect Problems With Your Prostate

If you experience difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or pelvic discomfort, schedule an appointment with our specialists at Advanced Urology. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve your quality of life and prevent more serious health issues.

Our expert team uses advanced diagnostics to identify the underlying causes and offers personalized treatments to effectively manage your condition. Don't wait, contact Advanced Urology today for better health and comfort.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Active Surveillance

Surgery

Radiation Therapy

Hormone Therapy

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

Active Surveillance

Active surveillance involves regularly checking the progress of the cancer through PSA tests, digital rectal exams (DREs), and occasional biopsies. It is typically used for cancers that are slow-growing and pose little risk of spreading or causing symptoms. The goal is to avoid unnecessary treatments and their potential side effects while keeping the cancer under observation.

Surgery

Surgery, specifically a radical prostatectomy, is often performed to remove the prostate gland when the cancer is localized and hasn't spread. In some cases, minimally invasive options like laparoscopic or robotic surgery may be used, offering quicker recovery times. However, surgery carries risks such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which should be discussed with your prostate cancer oncologist.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can be delivered externally or internally through implanted radioactive seeds. It is a common alternative to surgery for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Prostate cancer often depends on testosterone to grow, and hormone therapy works by reducing or blocking testosterone in the body. This can be achieved through medications or surgical removal of the testicles. Hormone therapy is commonly used for advanced prostate cancer or in combination with radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is typically used when prostate cancer has advanced and no longer responds to hormone therapy. It works by circulating cancer-killing drugs through the bloodstream to target rapidly growing cells. While chemotherapy can be effective, it often causes side effects like nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, such as the vaccine-based treatment Sipuleucel-T (Provenge), helps the immune system recognize and attack prostate cancer cells. This option is generally reserved for advanced cases of prostate cancer. Side effects are usually mild and may include flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are designed to focus on cancer cells with specific genetic mutations, like BRCA gene mutations. These therapies are often used for advanced or genetically predisposed prostate cancers. While targeted therapies can be highly effective, side effects vary depending on the specific drug being used.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms, such as pain or bone loss, and providing emotional and psychological support. It is not intended to cure cancer but to improve the patient's quality of life at any stage of the disease. This type of care can be combined with other treatments.

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How Advanced Urology Treats Prostate Cancer

Goals Of Prostate 
Cancer Treatment

  1. Cancer Free Survival - The most important goal of prostate cancer treatment is living a a great life, cancer free.
  2. Preserve Urinary Incontinence - The second goal of treatment is to preserve urinary control so there is no long term leakage of urine.
  3. Preserve Erections - The third goal is to ensure you have erections that are satisfactory for a great sex life.
  4. Great Outcomes - Overall, we want you to have the best possible outcome with the least side effects.

Advantages of Prostate 
Cancer Treatments

  1. Lower risk of sexual and urinary dysfunction
  2. Safe and effective
  3. Long term solution
  4. Outpatient
  5. Little to no pain

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Prostate Cancer

Q Who is at risk of developing prostate cancer?

A

Several factors increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Age is a significant risk factor, with the likelihood rising substantially after age 50. Family history also plays a role, as having a close relative (such as a father or brother) with prostate cancer increases the risk. African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, and their cases tend to be more aggressive. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as a diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, as well as a lack of physical activity, may contribute to the risk.

Q Can prostate cancer be prevented?

A

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle changes may reduce your risk. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can help. Additionally, regular screenings and discussions with a prostate cancer specialist about your risk factors can aid in early detection and prevention.

Q What is Prostate Cancer TNM Staging?

A

The TNM staging system is a standardized method used by doctors to describe the extent and severity of prostate cancer. TNM stands for Tumor (T), Nodes (N), and Metastasis (M), and it helps guide treatment decisions and predict outcomes.

Q Is prostate cancer hereditary?

A

Yes, prostate cancer can run in families. Having a close relative, such as a father, brother, or son, with prostate cancer increases your risk of developing the disease. Additionally, inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or HOXB13, may also raise the likelihood of prostate cancer. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or related cancers (such as breast or ovarian cancer), it is important to inform your doctor, as they may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings.