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Prostate cancer usually develops relatively slowly compared to other cancers. But some kinds grow quickly and readily spread. To be sure you get prompt treatment for prostate cancer, visit fellowship-trained urologist David B Samadi, MD, at his Central Midtown Manhattan office in New York City. Dr. Samadi is a pioneer in robotic surgery and performs the most accurate, successful prostate cancer procedures. Call the office today or schedule a consultation online to benefit from world-class prostate cancer care.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a tumor in the prostate gland, a crucial part of the male reproductive system. It’s among the most common cancers in American men over 50, with around 200,000 new cases yearly.
The prostate gland is below your bladder, encircling the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder). It’s also in front of the rectum. Usually, the prostate gland is small — roughly walnut-sized and -shaped. The prostate’s primary function is to produce semen, a fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation.
Prostate cancer develops if cells in the gland mutate. Cancerous cells don’t die like healthy cells. Instead, they keep multiplying, producing tumors (masses).
Why would I get prostate cancer?
There’s no single prostate cancer cause. But you’re more at risk if a close relative has the disease, indicating your genes have an influence. African-American men have a higher risk.
Diet might play a role, so Dr. Samadi recommends eating whole fruits, fresh vegetables, grains, and low-fat protein. Regular exercise is also necessary.
Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you get older. Dr. Samadi advises patients to start prostate cancer screening at 50 (or 45 if they have a higher risk). Screening involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) that allows Dr. Samadi to feel your prostate’s shape and texture with a gloved, lubricated finger.
If the DRE detects an abnormality like a firm ridge, Dr. Samadi takes a blood sample to check your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. If it’s too high, he might complete an MRI fusion biopsy to extract a tissue sample for lab analysis.
How is prostate cancer treated?
The five-year survival rates for prostate cancer have increased recently from 69% to almost 100%. The change results from early detection and better treatments, particularly minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Traditional prostate surgery is open (requiring an incision), but this is less common now. Laparoscopic techniques use a slender, flexible instrument with a camera to access the prostate and complete the surgery using the video feed. Nonsurgical therapies include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal treatments.
In most cases, the da Vinci® robotic surgery system is Dr. Samadi’s preferred treatment. It’s precise, causes less pain and tissue damage, and removes the need for postoperative treatments. Dr. Samadi has developed his own advanced robotic technology application using da Vinci: the Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique (SMART).
SMART removes cancer, restores almost complete continence, and has minimal effects on sexual activity.
Call David B Samadi, MD, today or arrange your prostate cancer exam online.