Prostate Cancer
Here are some important facts about prostate cancer:
These facts are quite astonishing, yet prostate cancer is rarely in the news. Virginia Urology has a strong commitment to raising the awareness of prostate cancer throughout the community. Virginia Urology has been a title sponsor of the American Cancer Societys African American Mens Health Day where we have educated over 1,200 men about prostate cancer and have offered free screenings at this event. We hosted the first Great Prostate Cancer Challenge in September 2008. This 5k run/1 mile walk and a health fair was one of 5 events held in other large cities across the country to raise money for prostate cancer awareness and research. The Richmond community was very supportive and we were able to raise over $100,000 for prostate cancer research.
An enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that often occurs in older men. This affects over 17 million men in the U.S. As men age, their hormone levels change causing the prostate to continue to grow. This excess tissue can block the urethra and obstruct the urine flow. In addition, some men often experience many of the following symptoms:
The urologists may use several different diagnostic tests and procedures to determine if you have an enlarged prostate such as a digital rectal exam (DRE), cystoscopy retrograde pyelography and a urinalysis.
There are several treatment options available that can meet the individual needs of each patient. These options range from oral medications, diet and exercise modifications or minimally-invasive surgical procedures. Also, your physician may recommend the following depending upon the severity of the enlarged prostate:
Prostatitis, a disease of the prostate gland, can cause groin pain/discomfort, painful urination, difficult urination and other related symptoms. The prostate gland typically functions to produce components of semen, a fluid that transports sperm. The gland, about the size and shape of a walnut or lime, is located below the bladder and surrounds the tube that transports both semen and urine out of the penis.
Prostatitis isnt a single condition but a group of disorders with related symptoms. Prostatitis may be a short-term problem that is treated and resolves quickly. Conversely, prostatitis may sometimes be a persistent problem that requires continued management and therapy by your physician. Our specialists will help to determine optimal treatment plans and management to minimize symptoms and discomfort. Diagnosis and treatment may require tests including history and physical examination, genital and rectal examination, cystoscopy (looking in the bladder with a camera), urodynamics studies (evaluating the function of the bladder), etc.
Prostatitis symptoms vary, but in general, the symptoms are related to pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, problems with urination and problems with ejaculations. Signs and symptoms may include:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue. Cancerous cells in the prostate typically result in higher levels of PSA than noncancerous cells do. Therefore, levels of PSA in the blood may provide useful information for screening for prostate cancer. Other conditions, including prostatitis, can increase PSA levels.
Prostatitis doesnt cause cancer or increase your risk of cancer. However, management of prostatitis can be important in helping your doctor interpret the results of PSA tests.
Symptoms of prostatitis may overlap other important urologic or other medical disorders. Only a physician/specialist can differentiate prostatitis from a more serious problem, like prostate or bladder cancer.
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Prostate Health – Enlarged Prostate – Virginia Urology …
