Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in the male body that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and helps sperm move. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in this gland and is one of the most common types of cancer. Depending on the type of prostate cancer, treatment may not be necessary in some cases, while in others, early diagnosis and detection can be life-saving. With early detection, prostate cancer has a chance of being treated successfully with the right therapies.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland found in men. It is a widely prevalent cancer worldwide. Typically, the development of cancerous cells remains confined to the prostate gland. This type of cancer grows slowly and can sometimes be controlled without treatment, as it does not harm other tissues. However, there are also aggressive and rapidly spreading types of prostate cancer. In such cases, it may only be possible to control the cancer by intervening in the prostate gland. If there are fast-growing and aggressive cancer cells, the patient’s life may be at risk. Delayed treatment or late diagnosis can lead to metastasis, spreading to other tissues in the body.

Today, there are many treatment methods used for prostate cancer. A personalized treatment plan should be made based on the patient’s health status and the stage of cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

In the early stages, prostate cancer usually does not cause any symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may be observed:

• Difficulty urinating
• Decreased urine flow
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Bone pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Erectile dysfunction

If symptoms related to prostate cancer are observed, it is essential to consult a healthcare institution. If cancerous cells are present, necessary tests should be conducted, and treatment should be initiated as needed. The importance of early diagnosis in cancer should not be forgotten.

What Causes Prostate Cancer, What are its Causes?

The exact cause of the development of prostate cancer is still unknown today. However, it is known that DNA changes in the cells of the prostate gland lead to the development of prostate cancer. DNA changes can cause cells to grow and divide faster than normal. As a result, while other cells die, abnormal cells continue to live and multiply. With the increase in the number of abnormal cells, nearby tissues also begin to be invaded, and tumors develop in those tissues. The breakdown of developing abnormal cells and their spread to other areas is referred to as metastasis. The development of prostate cancer and its spread to other cells is thought to be caused by DNA differentiations, similar to other types of cancer.

What are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer, Who is at Risk?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. Age is the most significant factor among these. Studies have shown that the risk of prostate cancer increases in individuals over the age of 50. With aging, the rate of changes in cell structure may increase.

Although the exact reason is not known, it is also known that race plays a role in the risk of developing prostate cancer. Studies have shown that black individuals have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to individuals of other races. Additionally, black individuals are more likely to have aggressive types of prostate cancer or advanced cancer.

Another factor that increases the risk of developing prostate cancer is family history. If there is a person with a diagnosis of prostate cancer among close relatives, the individual may have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. A strong family history of breast cancer may also increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

The last factor associated with the risk of developing prostate cancer is obesity. It has been observed that obese individuals have a higher risk of prostate cancer. However, since studies conducted so far are not sufficient, it is not yet possible to provide definitive information.

Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer or multiple breast cancer diagnoses are advised to undergo regular clinical examinations and have their prostate gland examined by a urologist, especially from their fifties onwards. This way, in case of any adverse situation, the patient has a chance to overcome prostate cancer through early diagnosis and detection methods.

What are the Diagnosis Methods for Prostate Cancer?

If tissue differentiation is felt during a rectal examination and certain parameters in blood tests (elevated PSA levels) are higher than the required values, a biopsy is performed to diagnose prostate cancer. A biopsy is a procedure that involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate and examining them under a microscope to determine the presence of cancer cells. During the microscopic examination, the Gleason score of the taken tissue is evaluated. If cancer cells are found in the tissue, scoring occurs, and the score ranges from 2 to 10. A low score indicates a lower likelihood of cancer spread. The biopsy method is the primary tool for diagnosing cancer. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound may be used to guide the biopsy, ensuring that the necessary tissue is taken from the correct location.

What are the Treatment Methods for Prostate Cancer?

The treatment of prostate cancer is personalized based on the stage and type of cancer. With advancements in the medical field, the number of methods available for treatment continues to increase each year. Surgical interventions, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy can be applied for a multifaceted treatment approach. The type of method that can be chosen varies within each treatment method.

What are the Surgical Treatments?

Surgical interventions are performed when a diagnosis of prostate cancer is made and the tumor is located only in the prostate gland. The surgical methods applied in prostate cancer are generally referred to as prostatectomy. There are different prostatectomy methods, including robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery. The surgical method to be applied is determined based on the area covered by the surgery and which tissues need to be removed.

What is Robotic Surgery, How is it Applied?

Robotic prostate surgery is performed by making several incisions in the abdominal wall. The surgery is carried out using robotic arms. A camera device is inserted through one of the incisions, while surgical instruments are inserted through the others. The surgeon can view the prostate and surrounding structures in three dimensions through the camera. The surgeon performs the operation by observing the tissues on a computer monitor next to the operating table and using the robotic arms. During the surgery, the prostate gland, surrounding tissues, and seminal vesicles are removed from the body. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed simultaneously. (Robotic Surgery technology will soon start providing services within our hospital.)

What is Laparoscopic Surgery, How is it Applied?

In laparoscopic surgeries, similar to robotic surgery, several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall. Laparoscopy devices are inserted into the relevant area through the incisions. Surgical instruments are also inserted through the other openings to remove the surrounding tissues and seminal vesicles from the body.

What is Open Surgery, How is it Applied?

In open surgery, an incision is made from the lower abdomen, known as the retropubic area. The surgery is performed through the incision made. Tissues can be removed in open surgery, similar to other methods. The oncological and functional (urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction) outcomes of open surgery and robotic surgery are similar.

What are the Oncological Treatments? How is Treatment Done?

Oncological treatments are therapies applied to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. Depending on the patient’s condition and the stage of cancer, one or more treatments can be applied simultaneously. Oncological treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapies.

What is Chemotherapy, How is it Applied in Prostate?

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to stop the growth of cancer cells, kill cancerous cells, or halt their division. The drugs used in chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly. The drugs enter the bloodstream and reach the cancer cells in the body, causing them to die or lose their function.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s immune system to combat cancer. Substances produced by the body or in a laboratory are used to strengthen the body’s natural defense against cancer and restore cells to their normal state. Immunotherapy is a biological treatment.

What is Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy is a treatment used to block hormone effects and stop the growth of cancer cells. Hormones are produced by glands in the body and circulate in the bloodstream. Male sex hormones can trigger the growth of prostate cancer. Hormone therapy aims to reduce the amount of male hormones in the body. To achieve this, medications and hormone supplements are used.

What is Radiation Oncology?

Radiation oncology uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. Today, the variety of radiation therapies available for prostate cancer has increased. A personalized radiation therapy plan should be made based on the individual’s health status and the stage of prostate cancer.

What is MR Linac?

The MR Linac method is a radiotherapy technique that accurately targets tumors using special imaging and measurement techniques to destroy them with radiation. It is also referred to as smart radiotherapy. It provides significant advantages with its more advanced system compared to classical radiotherapy and is used in the treatment of various cancer types, including pancreatic cancer.

1. What is the Imrt Method?

This is the most current method in radiation therapies. It can deliver maximum radiation to cancerous cells due to dose intensity adjustment. The rate of damage to surrounding tissues is minimized.

2. What is the Igrt Method?

This is a radiation therapy applied using images. It ensures that radiation beams are directed to the correct location. High-quality images taken before the session increase the efficiency of radiation therapy while aiming to minimize side effects.

What is Local Radiotherapy?

This is a general term for methods used to deliver radiation therapy beams directly to cancerous tissue.

1. What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a method that allows radiation to be delivered directly to the area where cancerous cells are located. In this method, small radioactive sources are placed inside the body.

2. What is Cryotherapy?

Also known as the freezing method, this technique eliminates the need for surgical interventions. A thin needle is used to reach the prostate through the skin. After freezing the cancerous tissue, gas is pumped into the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Receiving support from specialized physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer significantly affects the success rate of treatment. Urology physicians at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental carry out professional studies based on current data. Hisar Hospital Integrated Oncology offers all treatment methods that the patient may need.