Conditions

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in men just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It secretes a fluid that makes up part of the semen. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in males, especially older men, and is particularly dangerous because it often has no symptoms in the early stages. Advanced prostate cancer may cause dull pain in the lower pelvic area; frequent urination; pain, burning, and weakened urine flow; blood in the urine or semen; painful ejaculation; general pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs; loss of appetite or weight; and persistent bone pain. Diagnosis is by biopsy.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is as well as your preferences. Available options may include cryotherapy, external beam radiation, brachytherapy, open radical prostatectomy, and even robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy that provides a 3-D view, X10 optical magnification and scaled robotic hand movements.