Offering Personalized, Comprehensive Urology Health Care
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men with more than
192,000 cases diagnosed each year. Fortunately, it is nearly 100% survivable
if caught early.
Prostate Cancer Types
Almost all prostate cancers begin in the gland cells of the prostate and
are known as adenocarcinomas.
Pre-cancerous changes of the prostate: By age 50, about half of all men
have small changes in the size and shape of the cells in the prostate.
This is called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN).
If
PIN
is present, the best strategy is to be certain a thorough biopsy procedure
shows no invasive cancer. If
PIN
is the only finding, then careful follow-up screening with a prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE) is recommended.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Anything that increases your chance of getting prostate cancer is a risk
factor. These include:
Age: This is the most important risk factor. Most men who develop prostate
cancer are older than 50. About two of every three prostate cancers are
diagnosed in men older than 65.
Family history: Risk is higher when other members of your family (especially
father, brother, son) have or had prostate cancer, especially if they
were young when they developed it.
Race: African-American men have nearly double the risk of prostate cancer
as white men. It is found less often in Asian American, Hispanic and American
Indian men.
Diet: A high-fat diet, particularly a diet high in animal fats, may increase
risk; diets high in fruits and vegetables may decrease risk.
Why choose Memorial for your prostate cancer treatment?
Our specialized team of a urologist, as well as medical, surgical and radiation
oncologists communicate and collaborate closely – with you and each
other – to be sure you receive the most advanced prostate cancer
treatment with the least impact on your body. The physicians and support
staff of Lake Charles Memorial work with the latest technology and techniques
such as minimally invasive urologic robotic surgery using the da Vinci®
Surgical System.
Robotic-Assisted Prostate Cancer Surgery
Miniaturized robotic instruments are passed through several small keyhole
incisions in the patient’s abdomen to allow the surgeon to remove
the prostate and nearby tissues with great precision. This is much less
invasive than a conventional radical retropubic prostatectomy, which involves
an abdominal incision that extends from the belly button to the pubic
bone. A three-dimensional endoscope and imaging equipment magnify delicate
structures surrounding the prostate gland (e.g., nerves, blood vessels
and muscles), allowing optimal preservation of these vital structures.
The prostate is eventually removed through one of the keyhole incisions.
