Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate Cancer Treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. At Emirates Hospitals Group, we are committed to providing comprehensive and advanced care for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. With a team of the best urologists in Dubai, our focus is on delivering personalized and effective treatment options to manage and treat prostate cancer. This guide explores prostate cancer, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and the range of treatment options available at our state-of-the-art facilities.

• About Prostate Cancer
• Causes & Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Risk Factors
• Treatment

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder in men. The prostate produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Causes and Symptoms

Causes: The exact cause of prostate cancer is not well understood. However, several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

• Genetic Factors: A family history of prostate cancer can increase the risk, suggesting that genetic mutations may play a role.
• Hormonal Influences: High levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, may influence the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, particularly in men over 50.

Symptoms: Prostate cancer may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may develop:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Painful or burning sensation during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
• Erectile dysfunction

Diagnosis

At Emirates Hospitals Group, we are committed to providing comprehensive and advanced care for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer involves a combination of tests and procedures:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination where the doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to detect abnormalities.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test measuring the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer.
• Biopsy: A procedure in which a small sample of prostate tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging Tests: Techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be used to determine the extent of cancer and guide treatment planning.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 50.
• Family History: A family history of prostate cancer or other cancers can increase risk.
• Genetics: Certain inherited gene mutations may predispose individuals to prostate cancer.
• Race/Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is more common in African-American men and less common in Asian men.
• Diet and Lifestyle: High-fat diets and obesity may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, overall health, and patient preferences. Options include:

• Active Surveillance: For low-risk prostate cancer, regular monitoring may be recommended instead of immediate treatment. This approach involves periodic PSA tests, DREs, and biopsies to track any changes.
• Surgery: The primary surgical option is a prostatectomy, where the prostate gland is removed. There are different types of prostatectomy, including radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic prostatectomy.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells. This can be delivered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy, where radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate).
• Hormone Therapy: This treatment lowers or blocks the effects of testosterone, which can help slow the growth of cancer. Options include medications or surgical castration.
• Chemotherapy: Used primarily for advanced prostate cancer, chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
• Immunotherapy: This approach stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is typically used for advanced or resistant cases of prostate cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: This treatment uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells with certain genetic mutations or characteristics.