Prostate Cancer in Sioux City, IA
If there is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate, it is certainly possible that this could be a case of prostate cancer. The prostate is an organ that solely exists in males, as it is a vital part of the semen production process.
Since 1975, the board-certified urologists in Sioux City are dedicated to offering comprehensive care to patients suffering from prostate cancer. Due to the unique nature of each individual case, treatment for a patient’s prostate cancer will vary widely from one to another. If you wish to discuss which option would be best for you with an experienced urologist, please call (605) 217-7000 to schedule an appointment with Siouxland Urology today.
During your initial consultation, we will walk through your medical history and journey with prostate cancer up to this point. Once they have insight into your specific case, they will be able to recommend a course of treatment to best suit your needs.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Due to the location of the prostate and its proximity to the urinary system, many signs of prostate cancer will relate to urinary function or the general pelvic region. Such prostate cancer symptoms often include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Weakened urine stream
- Pain within the pelvis or low back
- Blood in urine and/or semen
- Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Loss of control of the bladder or bowels
- Increased frequency of urination
The list of symptoms above may describe a variety of urology conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is important that you seek treatment if you notice any of these warning signs, as it is always best to catch a condition in its earliest stages, especially if that condition does in fact turn out to be cancer.
Different Types of Prostate Cancer
There are multiple unique forms of prostate cancer that men are at risk of developing. This risk is influenced by a variety of factors such as older age, family history, race, and obesity. There is also a link between prostate cancer and COVID-19.
Depending upon where in the prostate the abnormal cells develop, according to American Cancer Society a man may have different types of prostate cancer. Most often, this particular form of cancer is classified as an adenocarcinomas. Other types consist of:
- Transitional cell carcinomas
- Small cell carcinomas
- Sarcomas
- Neuroendocrine tumors
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Regardless of what form of prostate cancer has affected an individual, each will require diagnostic imaging and maybe also a biopsy to confirm a definitive diagnosis.
In some cases, it may be advised for the patient to have their tumor removed from the prostate regardless of whether or not it has been identified as cancerous. The primary reason for this being that large growths on or within the prostate can cause a wide range of troublesome symptoms until the tumor is removed.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Because the symptoms of prostate cancer are non-specific, in most cases this form of cancer is first diagnosed during a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Most patients with cancer of the prostate are treated with either surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or a combination of one or more of those treatments.
Prostate Cancer Surgery
The first line of attack against prostate cancer is usually surgery to remove the cancerous prostate gland. At Siouxland Urology, we offer the latest advancements in prostate cancer surgery, including the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
The minimally-invasive da Vinci system uses precise, miniaturized robotic tools to remove tumors from the prostate. Tiny instruments are introduced through several small incisions and are controlled (not pre-programmed) by your surgeon from a nearby console. These high tech instruments are able to perfectly mimic the hand motions of the doctor.
The robotic system also provides a 3D, high-definition visualization of the prostate and adjacent tissues, giving your physician a view of the surgical site that is far superior to that of the human eye.
Robotic surgery is a breakthrough in modern medicine and allows for more precision and control than surgeons have ever had when compared to “open” or traditional laparoscopic surgery. For prostate cancer patients, that means a greater assurance of the best outcome possible. It also means a better chance of avoiding side effects of more traditional approaches to surgery, such as impotence or urinary incontinence.
Radiation for Prostate Cancer
Radiation therapy, including brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy) is also used for the treatment of prostate cancer. During brachytherapy, tiny radioactive “seeds” the size of a grain of rice are implanted into the prostate. The implants deliver a low dose of radiation over a period of several months.
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Chemotherapy is not a standard treatment for most cases of prostate cancer, but can be useful in cases of advanced prostate cancer where the disease has metastasized to the bones, or when the cancer has not been responsive to more conventional hormonal therapy methods.
Schedule Your Prostate Cancer Consultation with Siouxland Urology
Due to the unique nature of each individual case, treatment for a patient’s prostate cancer will vary widely from one to another. If you wish to discuss which option would be best for you with an experienced urologist, please call (605) 217-7000 to schedule an appointment at Siouxland Urology today.