Prostate Cancer / PSA / Men’s Urologic Oncology
Prostate Cancer Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and care planning for prostate cancer, PSA testing, abnormal prostate exams, prostate biopsy, urinary symptoms, active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and ongoing prostate cancer follow-up.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It affects the prostate, the gland located under the bladder and in front of the rectum that helps produce semen and allows sperm to move more effectively, among other functions. Although prostate cancer can be life-threatening, it often spreads slowly and requires only minimal treatment. When confined to the prostate gland, it can usually be treated effectively, making early detection crucial.
Early evaluation may include PSA testing, physical exam, and prostate-specific diagnostic planning.
Treatment depends on tumor grade, cancer stage, overall health, and individual goals.
Prostate cancer may require monitoring, treatment, or a combination plan over time.
Prostate cancer evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides prostate cancer evaluation, PSA review, prostate biopsy coordination, treatment planning, and follow-up care for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
The specific cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although it is believed to be a combination of hereditary, hormonal and environmental factors. Certain factors may cause men to be at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer, including the following:
- Age of 65 and older
- Smoker
- African-American
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Diet high in fat and sugar
Risk can increase with age and may be higher when prostate cancer runs in the family.
African-American men may have a higher risk and should discuss screening timing with a clinician.
Smoking and diet patterns may be discussed as part of overall health and risk reduction.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Many patients with prostate cancer do not experience any noticeable symptoms while the disease is in its early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may experience the following:
- Trouble urinating
- Slowed urine stream
- Starting and stopping while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Swelling in legs
- Bone pain
- Loss of appetite or weight
These symptoms are often not related to cancer, but to infections or other health problems. A patient should notify his doctor at the first sign of any symptoms.
Trouble urinating, slowed stream, and starting and stopping can occur with prostate or urinary conditions.
Blood in the urine should be evaluated promptly, even when the cause is not cancer.
Swelling in the legs, bone pain, appetite changes, or weight loss may require urgent evaluation.
Call a doctor if urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, appetite loss, or leg swelling develops or worsens.
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
In addition to a physical examination, there are several tests that doctors use to diagnose prostate cancer:
- Digital rectal exam
- Urinalysis
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test
- Biopsy
A digital rectal exam can help evaluate prostate size, shape, and suspicious findings.
PSA testing and urinalysis may help evaluate prostate cancer risk and rule out urinary causes of symptoms.
A biopsy may be used to confirm whether prostate cancer is present and help determine tumor grade.
A complete prostate cancer evaluation may also consider PSA history, PSA trend, prostate size, family history, exam findings, urinary symptoms, imaging, and biopsy results.
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Treatment for prostate cancer is most successful when the disease is identified at an early stage, before it has spread to other areas. The best treatment method varies depending on the age and overall health of the patient, grade of the tumor and stage of the cancer.
Active Surveillance
With an early diagnosis of prostate cancer, active surveillance may be suggested. During active surveillance, prostate cancer is carefully monitored for signs of progression.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used to treat prostate cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the cells from dividing and the growth of the tumor.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is an effective option for treating prostate cancer. Radiation is used to target the infected area of the prostate.
Hormone Therapy
The hormone testosterone serves as the main fuel for prostate cancer cell growth. Hormone therapy is used to stop testosterone from being released or to prevent it from acting on the prostate cells.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended to treat severe cases of prostate cancer. The doctor removes the tumor through an open or laparoscopic procedure, which may include removing all or part of the prostate.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe a combination treatment plan, which uses several of the treatment options listed above.
Grade and stage help guide whether monitoring, localized treatment, or systemic treatment may be recommended.
Treatment planning should consider health status, life expectancy, urinary function, sexual function, and recovery goals.
Some patients may need a combination of surveillance, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or follow-up care.
Prevention of Prostate Cancer
Although prostate cancer cannot be prevented, patients can reduce their risk of developing the disease by maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Diet and lifestyle changes have also been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer development and progression, and can help men with prostate cancer live longer and more productive lives.
Maintaining an active lifestyle may support overall health and risk reduction.
Diet and lifestyle choices can be discussed as part of overall prostate health planning.
Men with family history or other risk factors should discuss screening and monitoring with a clinician.
Prostate cancer screening and prevention conversations should be personalized based on age, family history, race, PSA history, overall health, and preferences.
Common questions about prostate cancer.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A urologist can evaluate PSA results, prostate exam findings, biopsy results, urinary symptoms, and treatment options.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is cancer that affects the prostate, the gland located under the bladder and in front of the rectum that helps produce semen.
Is prostate cancer always fast-growing?
No. Prostate cancer often spreads slowly and may require only minimal treatment in some cases, but it can also be life-threatening and should be evaluated carefully.
Why is early detection important?
When prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland, it can usually be treated effectively, making early detection and appropriate evaluation important.
What increases the risk of prostate cancer?
Risk factors may include age 65 and older, smoking, African-American race, family history of prostate cancer, and a diet high in fat and sugar.
What symptoms can prostate cancer cause?
Symptoms may include trouble urinating, slowed urine stream, starting and stopping while urinating, blood in the urine, swelling in the legs, bone pain, appetite loss, or weight loss.
Are urinary symptoms always caused by prostate cancer?
No. Urinary symptoms are often related to infections, enlarged prostate, or other health problems, but patients should notify a doctor at the first sign of symptoms.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include physical examination, digital rectal exam, urinalysis, prostate specific antigen test, and biopsy.
What treatments are available for prostate cancer?
Treatment options may include active surveillance, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, surgery, or a combination treatment plan.
What is active surveillance?
Active surveillance means prostate cancer is carefully monitored for signs of progression, often when prostate cancer is diagnosed early and immediate treatment may not be necessary.
Where can I get prostate cancer care near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides prostate cancer evaluation and treatment planning in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable urology and cancer organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a prostate cancer consultation in La Mesa.
If you have an elevated PSA, abnormal prostate exam, prostate biopsy questions, urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, bone pain, family history, or questions about prostate cancer treatment options, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss care planning.