Prostate Cancer

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In the earliest stages of cancer, you may have no symptoms. In the advanced stages, you may start to experience the following:

• Trouble urinating
• Blood in semen
• A weak urine stream
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bone pain
• Discomfort in your pelvic region

You’re at greater risk of developing prostate cancer as you age. If relatives in your family have had prostate cancer, you’re also at greater risk.

How’s prostate cancer diagnosed?

The diagnosis of prostate cancer is made by biopsy of the prostate, following examining the patient and the PSA blood test. First, Dr. Eldaif performs a digital rectal to help him find any abnormalities. Next, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test reveals if you have a higher-than-normal level of this substance in your bloodstream, indicating possible prostate infection, enlargement, or cancer. Finally, Dr. Eldaif would perform a simple biopsy in the office and possibly additional tests to measure the aggressiveness of the disease.

How’s the aggressiveness of prostate cancer measured?

Dr. Eldaif provides several tests, such as genomic testing, to conduct an evaluation of the aggressiveness of the particular cancer he’s found. These results allow him to personalize your treatment plan, optimizing the chances of minimizing spreading and the speed of growth.

He also uses the 4Kscore test, which combines four prostate-specific biomarkers, to provide an accurate and personalized measure of your risk of acquiring aggressive prostate cancer. This test can be used in conjunction with a biopsy and predicts the likelihood of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

How’s prostate cancer treated?

If Dr. Eldaif tells you that your case is low risk, you may undergo active surveillance rather than immediate treatment. He’s likely to recommend interval visits with follow-up blood tests and rectal exams to monitor the progression of your cancer.

In some cases, you may never need treatment. But, if your cancer seems to be progressing, you may require surgery or radiation treatment.

The surgical options offered at the Center for Advanced Urology & Robotics include cutting-edge robotic prostatectomy, a robot-assisted surgery that allows Dr. Eldaif to make small, precise movements through tiny incisions.

In some cases, Dr. Eldaif recommends cryoablation of the prostate, where he freezes the prostate cancer cells to kill them.  In other instances, he may recommend a multidisciplinary approach with the Oncologists for further treatments beyond surgical therapy. He takes the time and enjoys collaborating with his medical and radiation oncology colleagues in order to help you determine the best course of treatment for your case. Dr. Eldaif also strongly believes in involving his patient in the decision-making process of the best treatment plan for that specific patient.

For more information about prostate cancer and screenings, call the office of the Center for Advanced Urology & Robotics.