Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is the most common solid organ cancer in men and is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. It is estimated that over 248,000 American men with be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and over 34,000 will die because of prostate cancer (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2021).

The prostate is found only in men and is situated just underneath the bladder in the pelvis. Urine flows through the prostate from the bladder on it’s way out the penis. The prostate also plays a role in male reproduction.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is found only in men and is situated just underneath the bladder in the pelvis. Urine flows through the prostate from the bladder on it’s way out the penis. The prostate also plays a role in male reproduction.

Prostate Cancer is the most common solid organ cancer in men and is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. It is estimated that over 248,000 American men with be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and over 34,000 will die because of prostate cancer (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2021).

Screening for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer does not cause symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. Prostate cancer screening programs help to find cancer before it reaches an advanced stage utilizing the PSA test and a physical exam. PSA stands for prostate specific antigen and can be tested through a simple blood test.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can only be diagnosed with a biopsy. This has traditionally been done with the use of ultrasound to guide the biopsy. Unfortunately, ultrasound is not very good at distinguishing benign prostate tissue from cancerous tissue. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is far superior to ultrasound in identifying concerning areas in the prostate. Advanced technology allows the use of MRI-Ultrasound fusion technology to direct prostate biopsies at concerning lesions. This results in improved diagnostic capabilities. Regional Urology offers the only available MRI-Ultrasound fusion in the area.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Surgery will remove the entire prostate through a procedure called a prostatectomy. Surgery alone will often cure prostate cancer.

Side effects of radical prostatectomy include stress urinary incontinence (SUI, involuntary leakage of urine) and erectile dysfunction (inability to get and/or maintain an erection, also known as impotence). These risks are very individualized to each patient and can be successfully treated.

 Regional Urology specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery for the prostate. To learn more about robotic surgery, click here. There are many potential benefits to robotic surgery including decreased pain and blood loss as well as a shorter hospital stay. For a robotic prostatectomy, stress urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction may be decreased due to the benefits of robotic surgery.

Radiation utilizes ionizing energy to destroy cancer cells. Radiation alone will also often cure prostate cancer. There are many forms of radiation to consider including standard external beam radiation and brachytherapy. To learn more about the radiation center at Regional Urology click here.

Active surveillance, instead of definitive treatment, is an option for patients with low-risk cancer. Patients on this plan with have routine PSA tests and repeat biopsies to ensure the cancer does not progress to a more aggressive form. If it does, definitive treatment is initiated.

Is There a Local Support Group?

Yes!  Regional Urology is the host of the local UsToo International Prostate Cancer Organization’s chapter here in Shreveport.  We have regular meetings at our Shreveport off (255 Bert Kouns) for prostate cancer fighters, survivors, and their families.  This groups is a great place for everyone to gain support, motivation, and a caring group of people who are there to cheer you on.  *You do not have to be a patient at Regional Urology to attend.  Learn more HERE

What is the Blue Man Run?

The Blue Man Run is a local event organized to raise funds for the local chapter of the UsToo International  Prostate Cancer Support Organization.  Read more at www.bluemanrun.com to see how to get involved and sign up!

Meet Your Navigator

At Regional Urology, our Prostate Cancer navigator Diamond Frazier, RN, guides our patients through their fight against prostate cancer. She cares deeply for the patients she works with, and aims to be an open line of communication should you have any questions or concerns. Diamond aids patients in understanding their treatment pathways and is ready to walk along side you as you battle prostate cancer. You are not alone!

dfrazier@regionalurology.com

(318) 698-5512