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Prostate Cancer Treatment

The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is responsible for the fluid that transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It is generally a slow-growing disease and remains isolated in the prostate, where its effects are not very harmful. In some cases, however, prostate cancer can be more aggressive, requiring swift treatment. For these reasons, the Beverly Hills Cancer Center has created an excellent program for prostate cancer treatment in Los Angeles & Beverly Hills.

Prostate Cancer in Los Angeles

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Some primary symptoms of prostate cancer include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Decreased force in urinary stream
  • Bloody urine
  • Bloody semen
  • Pain in lower back, hips or thighs
  • Discomfort in the pelvis
  • Bone pain
  • Erectile dysfunction

Should any symptoms arise that are concerning, it may be wise to make an appointment with a doctor so that the cause of symptoms may be diagnosed.

Testing and Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

To check for prostate cancer, a doctor may start with the following tests:

  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE):
    During this simple test, the doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate. They check for any unusual size, shape, or texture.
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test:
    This test involves drawing a small sample of blood from your arm. The lab checks for PSA, a substance made by the prostate. High levels of PSA in the blood can signal a prostate problem, though this alone doesn't confirm cancer.

These initial tests can detect abnormalities in the prostate, but they don’t confirm if cancer is present.

Additional Diagnostic Tests

If something unusual is found, the doctor may recommend further testing:

  • Ultrasound:
    A small probe is inserted into the rectum to create images of the prostate using sound waves.
  • Prostate Biopsy:
    A small sample of prostate tissue is taken and examined under a microscope in a lab. This is one of the most effective ways to check for cancer.

Determining the Severity

Since prostate cancer can develop slowly, more tests may be done to understand how aggressive it is. The cells from the biopsy are compared to healthy prostate cells. This helps the doctor determine how fast the cancer might grow or spread.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the severity and nature of the disease. In some cases, when the cancer is slow-growing (indolent), immediate treatment may not be necessary. Instead, periodic checkups can be sufficient to monitor its progression.

If treatment is required, the options include:

Radiation Therapy

  • Can be applied externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy).
  • External Beam Radiation: A machine delivers focused energy to target cancerous tissue in the prostate.

Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)

  • Small radioactive seeds are inserted into the prostate via a needle. The seeds emit radiation and eventually become inactive without needing removal.

Hormone Therapy

  • Designed to stop prostate cancer cells from producing by cutting off their testosterone supply.
  • Since prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to grow, different techniques can reduce its availability.
  • A prostate cancer doctor can discuss the most effective method for your specific case.

Surgical Removal (Radical Prostatectomy)

  • The prostate and some surrounding healthy tissue are completely removed to prevent cancer spread.
  • Different surgical approaches are available, and the best option can be determined through consultation with a doctor.

High-Frequency Ultrasound Therapy

  • Uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancerous prostate tissue.
  • An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to deliver treatment.
  • Currently available only in clinical trials in the U.S.

Cryosurgery (Freezing the Prostate Tissue)

  • A cold gas is inserted into the prostate via a needle, freezing the tissue.
  • A warm gas is then introduced to reheat the tissue, destroying cancer cells through repeated freezing and thawing.
  • This method has improved significantly, reducing previous side effects.

Chemotherapy

  • Involves drugs delivered intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells.
  • Often combines multiple drugs to maximize effectiveness.
  • New drugs are emerging to target aggressive and metastatic prostate cancer.

Immunotherapy

  • A treatment designed for recurring prostate cancer.
  • Uses engineered immune cells to fight cancer more effectively.
  • While still in developmental stages, many cases have responded positively.

Personalized Treatment at Beverly Hills Cancer Center

At Beverly Hills Cancer Center, our highly experienced doctors create customized treatment plans to provide you with the best prostate cancer treatment in Los Angeles & Beverly Hills has to offer. We work closely with each patient to determine the most effective and personalized approach to care.

Beverly Hills Cancer Center

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To schedule an appointment, please call Beverly Hills Cancer Center in Beverly Hills, California at (877) 320-5131 or Click the link below to access our Online Appointment Request

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