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What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer develops when cancerous cells form in the prostate, a walnut-shaped gland that produces fluids to nourish and transport sperm. Men over 50 and those with obesity face a higher risk.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Symptoms may not be noticeable in early stages but can include erectile dysfunction, difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, blood in urine or semen, and unintentional weight loss. Early detection through diagnostic tools like ultrasounds, PET or CT scans, and biopsies is critical to confirm cancer and assess its stage.
How is Prostate Cancer Treated?
Treatment varies based on cancer stage and patient health. Early-stage prostate cancer may only need active surveillance. When treatment is required, options include surgery (prostatectomy to remove the prostate and possibly nearby tissues) or radiation therapy (using high-intensity beams to destroy cancer cells, either as a standalone treatment or post-surgery to eliminate residual cells). For advanced cases, PLUVICTO, a radiopharmaceutical, targets PSMA-positive metastatic prostate cancer, delivering radiation to kill cancer cells. Brachytherapy, involving radioactive seeds placed in the prostate, is another localized option. Immunotherapy may be used to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Arizona Center for Cancer Care provides these treatments and access to clinical trials for innovative therapies. For a consultation, contact their office or book online.