Prostate cancer seen in one in every 8 men

Prostate cancer, which has increased in incidence due to genetic factors, advanced age, malnutrition habits and sedentary life, continues to be the fearful dream of many men today. Early diagnosis is of great importance in the treatment of prostate cancer, which ranks second in cancer-related deaths in men. For this reason, every man over the age of 50 must go to the doctor once a year without waiting for symptoms. Robotic surgery has come to the fore in recent years in the treatment of cancer, which can be determined without spreading outside the prostate with early diagnosis. From Memorial Şişli Hospital Urology Department Prof. Dr. Murat Binbay gave information about prostate cancer and modern treatment methods before the "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

Beware if you have a history of prostate and breast cancer in your family!

Prostate is a very important anatomical organ with reproductive and urinary retention functions found only in men. The prostate, which is about the size of a walnut in a healthy young man, begins to struggle to function due to cancerous tumours caused by abnormalities in tissues. Genetic factors, advanced age, diet and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of prostate cancer, which progresses without any symptoms at first. Therefore, it is important that men do not disrupt urology examinations. Persons with prostate cancer in first-degree male relatives and breast cancer in female relatives should have these controls from the age of 45.

Correct diagnosis can be made with fusion prostate biopsy

Today, thanks to the developing medical innovations, it is now recommended to screen for prostate cancer at a younger age by determining the risk status in terms of prostate cancer with genetic screening for people with a family history of cancer. After the history of the patients who applied to the doctor is taken, total PSA test is performed in the examination and blood. Patients with suspected prostate cancer can be diagnosed by performing a prostate biopsy. Because prostate cancer may not be seen in one of 4 patients with prostate cancer with only total PSA and prostate examination. Today, prostate biopsies are performed under sedation (painless) and using MR fusion systems. With MRI fusion prostate biopsies, 95% of the patients can be accurately evaluated and a definitive diagnosis can be made.

Robotic surgery improves the patient's treatment comfort

For the patient diagnosed with prostate cancer; treatment method is determined according to age, general health status, stage and degree of cancer. Today, the following modern treatment methods are used in the treatment of prostate cancer, which provide significant advantages to the most patients;

Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery provides the patient with treatment comfort. With robotic surgery, the prostate, which is cancerous, is safely removed and the possibility of complications is minimized. Bleeding during robotic surgery is minimal. There is almost no possibility of postoperative urinary incontinence in the patient. In addition, the sexual performance of the patient is preserved.

Focal Treatments

In recent years, organ protective surgeries have started to increase gradually. These methods have been captured at an early stage and are used for non-aggressive cancers. Instead of removing the entire prostate, it is only intended to eliminate the cancerous tissues in the prostate. Although it is logically true, there are still some aspects that need to be improved. Because only 70% of cancerous areas can be detected with today's imaging methods. In addition, prostate cancer is a multifocal cancer, that is, while eliminating cancerous areas, there may be areas missed in them. Nevertheless, it can be said that there is no possibility of urinary incontinence and bleeding for cancers that are in the appropriate place of the prostate since not all prostate is removed. For this reason, it is mostly preferred to HIFU and nanoknife.

HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy)

This application is performed under anaesthesia. With a special ultrasound device inserted from the anus, cancerous areas in the prostate are burned with intensified ultrasound waves.

Nanoknife

The name of the method performed under anaesthesia is the treatment of prostate cancer with electricity. It is aimed to eliminate cancerous tissues by inserting 2 to 4 needles around the cancerous tissues of the prostate from the ovary and anus. While this method destroys cancerous tissues, it causes minimal damage to healthy tissues. Patients treated with HIFU and Nanoknife may require close follow-up and periodic prostate biopsy.

Nuclear Medicine Treatments

These atomic treatments are used for metastatic prostate cancers. These methods have been a hope especially for patients with recurrent prostate cancer after chemotherapy. Radioactive atoms called lutetium and actinium are sent to the points of prostate cancer in the body by a special method and destroy the prostate cancer cells. The lutetium atom is quite common. Actinium atom is more effective than luteum, its side effect profile is low, but it is found in a limited number of centres.

Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.