Prostate cancer is common. In fact, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in the United States, and the number two cause of cancer death in men, according to the book "General Urology" by Emil Tanagho. The likelihood of getting prostate cancer increases as men get older. Mortality rates from prostate cancer have been decreasing gradually since the 1970s. Most of that improvement is directly attributable to early diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the process of diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is crucial to curing this dangerous condition.
Step 1
Obtain a history and physical. Clues that may help diagnose prostate cancer include a history of painful or bloody urination, difficulty with urination, or a family history of prostate cancer, according to the book "Surgery" by Josef Fischer. Bone pain or easy fracture in an elderly man may be a sign of prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. On physical examination, the physician may be able to feel an enlarged prostate, although this is not always the case.
Step 2
Obtain laboratory studies. These should include basic blood counts, liver function tests and a PSA level, which is a sign of prostate enlargement. While the tests are important, according to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine, none of the lab studies are definite indicators of prostate cancer.
Step 3
Obtain a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. This type of imaging modality can show the size of the tumor, the extent of spread and invasion of nearby organs. It can help with the prognosis, as well as guide the surgeon to where he needs to operate.
Step 4
Obtain a biopsy sample of the prostate. According to the book "Surgery" by Josef Fischer, physicians obtain prostate biopsies using an ultrasound-guided needle that is inserted into the prostate. The biopsy sample is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Step 5
Get radiation treatment. Locally advanced prostate cancer can be treated with radiation therapy without surgery. The radiation therapy can be potentially curative, according to the book "Smith's General Urology" by Emil Tanagho.
Step 6
Receive chemotherapy. The type of chemotherapy physicians prescribe for prostate cancer is called androgen deprivation therapy. The chemotherapy drugs decrease the hormones that cause the prostate to grow. While on its own, chemotherapy cannot cure prostate cancer, it does improve survival when combined with radiation treatment.
Step 7
Obtain a surgical evaluation. The procedure to remove the prostate is called a prostatectomy. According to the book "Surgery" by Josef Fischer, surgeons commonly perform an operation called a radical prostatectomy on patients with invasive prostate cancer. That procedure removes the entire prostate gland, as well as the tumor and the nearby structures that the tumor may have invaded.
Things You'll Need
- Syringe
- Test tube
- Laboratory
- CT scanner
- Operating room
- Chemotherapy medications
References
- "Introduction to Surgery"; David Levien; 1999
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine"; Marc Sabatine; 2004
- "Smith's General Urology"; Emil Tanagho; 2004
