Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer causes the cells in your prostate –– a small, walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid –– to divide and multiply uncontrollably. It’s one of the most common types of cancer affecting men. 

In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly, but it can be aggressive and life-threatening as well. That’s why preventive screenings are so important. When caught early, prostate cancer is much more responsive to treatment.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In its early stages, prostate cancer presents few obvious symptoms. As cancer spreads, telltale signs include:

• Blood in your semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Difficulty urinating
• Pelvic pain or discomfort

Over time, you might also notice that your urine stream is less powerful.

Who is at risk of prostate cancer?

Any man can experience prostate cancer, but several factors increase your risk, including being middle-aged or older, obesity, and having a family history of the condition. For example, if your father or grandfather had prostate cancer, you’re more likely to experience it as well.

Your race also plays a role. Experts aren’t entirely sure why, but Black men are more likely to experience prostate cancer compared to their caucasian counterparts.

Is there any way to prevent prostate cancer?

There’s no way to prevent prostate cancer entirely, but you can take steps to lower your risk. Dr. Youngren recommends eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and visiting your doctor regularly. 

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

To diagnose prostate cancer, Dr. Youngren conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. During your consultation, he performs a digital rectal exam (DRE) and orders a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. 

If your DRE indicates an enlarged prostate, Dr. Youngren may recommend additional screens such as an ultrasound or biopsy. A biopsy is a quick outpatient procedure that allows Dr. Youngren to take a sample of your prostate and send it to a laboratory for further testing.

How is prostate cancer treated?

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the severity of the cancer and your symptoms. If you have low-risk prostate cancer, Dr. Youngren might recommend regular check-ups and monitoring. 

If you have an aggressive form of prostate cancer, surgical intervention is necessary. Dr. Youngren offers a full range of minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries at New Jersey’s top hospital, Cedar Knolls Medical Center. 

To receive all-inclusive care for prostate cancer, schedule an appointment at Advanced Urology. Book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a caring staff member today.