The prostate is a small gland located in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. It produces a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with sperm that is produced by the testicles. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate. At CMC Hospital Dubai, we have some of the most advanced treatment options available for the treatment of prostate cancer, including state-of-the-art robotic nerve sparing prostate surgery.
In most cases, prostate cancer symptoms do not present until the disease is advanced where there is pressure on the urethra. These symptoms include:
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not yet known, however, there are several factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing the condition. These factors include:
Since there’s no single, definitive test for prostate cancer, several tests may be recommended, which include:
Treatment for prostate cancer is usually determined by an individual’s circumstances. Majority of people with prostate cancer may not require any form of treatment. However, when determining the best treatment option, the doctor may consider:
Radical prostatectomy: This is a procedure that involves surgical removal of the patient’s prostate gland. It is a treatment option for treating cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate. Like every procedure, there are potential side effects with this therapy, including erectile dysfunction and urine incontinence.
Radiotherapy: In radiotherapy, radiation is used to destroy malignant (cancerous) cells. Radiotherapy is mostly used to treat prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate or hasn’t spread very far. Additionally, the procedure can be used to slow the spread of prostate cancer and to ease the symptoms.
The doctor may recommend hormone therapy to reduce the chances of cancer recurrence.
Brachytherapy: Also called internal or interstitial radiotherapy, this is a type of radiotherapy in which the radiation dose is administered inside the prostate gland. The radiation is normally delivered using small radioactive seeds which are surgically implanted into the tumour (low dose rate brachytherapy) or through thin hollow needles which are placed inside the prostate (high dose rate brachytherapy). The goal of this treatment option is to give the prostate a high dosage of radiation while minimising damage to other tissues.
Hormone therapy: The idea behind hormone therapy is to block the effects of testosterone, either by preventing its synthesis or by preventing the patient’s body from using it.
Hormone therapy is frequently used with radiotherapy. For instance, hormone therapy may be administered prior to radiation to increase chances of successful treatment or after radiation to minimise the chance of cancer recurrence.
Trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This procedure is not meant to cure cancer; it only helps relieve pressure from the urethra by treating any symptoms the patient may be having with urination.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): This is a treatment option that is sometimes used to treat localised prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. During the procedure, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum which releases high frequency sound waves through the walls of the rectum. The sound waves destroy cancer cells in the prostate gland.
Cryotherapy: The procedure involves inserting tiny probes called cryoneedles into the prostate gland through the wall of the rectum. This freezes the prostate gland and kills the cancer cells. However, some normal cells may die in the process.
