Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer in the prostate, an accessory gland only in men. In fact, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men only after skin cancer. The prostate gland is located under the bladder and serves the purpose of producing seminal fluid to transport sperm. 

Prostate cancer develops when the cells of the prostate start to grow uncontrollably. Some cases of prostate cancer develop and grow very slowly and need no other treatment than watchful waiting. Others are aggressive, grow quickly, and can spread to other areas of your body. 

The most common type of prostate cancer is called adenocarcinoma, and it originates in the glandular cells of the prostate responsible for producing fluid. Other types of cancer can start out in the prostate but are much rarer. 

What are the signs of prostate cancer?

Just like other types of cancer, prostate cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms at first. As the condition progresses, you can start to experience symptoms that become more intense with time. You might notice:

• Problems with urinating
• Blood in your urine
• Blood in your semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Effortless weight loss

Because prostate cancer can develop and grow with no symptoms, it’s important for all men between ages 55 and 69 to ask their physicians about prostate screenings. 

If you have symptoms consistent with prostate cancer, it’s possible they’re from some other underlying condition. A doctor can provide tests to diagnose or rule out those other conditions. At Hope Hematology & Oncology Associates LLC, Dr. Bajaj can diagnose prostate cancer with tests like ultrasound imaging, MRI scans, or a prostate biopsy. 

How is prostate cancer treated?

Once Dr. Bajaj has diagnosed you with prostate cancer or confirmed your diagnosis, she must then find out how aggressive or advanced the cancer is before creating your treatment strategy. If she determines that you need to start treatment for prostate cancer, your options include:

• Surgery to remove the prostate
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Cryotherapy (freezing prostate cells)
• High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment to heat prostate cells
• Hormone therapy to stop testosterone production
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy

Dr. Bajaj works with you one-on-one to decide on a treatment plan that aligns with your preferences and will give you the best possible outcome. While planning your prostate cancer

treatment, she considers your medical history, ensuring all chosen therapies are safe and effective for you. 

For more information on prostate cancer and your options for treatment, book an appointment by phone or request one online at Hope Hematology & Oncology Associates LLC today.