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What is Prostate cancer?

The prostate is a gland present only in men which secretes fluid; it protects and nourishes sperm. The prostate is located between the penis and the bladder. Prostate cancer begins when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. It is one of the commonest cancers among men, but it can usually be treated successfully.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Some of the common symptoms experienced by the patient are:

• Frequent urination
• Weak flow of urine
• Frequent urge to empty the bladder at night
• Presence of blood in the urine
• New onset of erectile dysfunction
• Pain or burning sensation while urination
• Experiencing discomfort or pain while sitting due to an enlarged prostate
• Pain in the pelvis, back, or hips, which doesn’t go away
• Pain during ejaculation

Also, read - Finding the care you need for Prostate Cancer

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Prostate cancers are quite challenging to diagnose in the initial stages as patients do not have any symptoms. When you visit the specialist, he will examine you to identify the problem.

• Physical examination: The doctor will take your past medical history like eating habits, past illness, etc. He will perform a physical check-up and look for signs of the disease, like any sexual or urinary problems and how long you have had them. Your doctor might also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE), where he inserts the gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. During the exam, your doctor may sometimes feel a tumor.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Protein-specific antigen is a protein made by cells in your prostate gland. These values are likely to go high when there is abnormal activity in the prostate including prostate cancer.
• Biopsy: It is the diagnostic procedure that is used to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
• Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): A tiny probe is lubricated and inserted via the rectum. The probe gives sound waves that enter the prostate and create echoes; the computer turns these echoes into an image, and this test helps in looking for cancer and is sometimes used during prostate biopsy.
• Imaging test: Some imaging tests like CT scan, PET scan, etc., are done to know the extent of the spread of cancer. This also helps in staging cancer.

Also, read - Understanding The Prostate Laser Treatment Cost, Types, and Procedures

How is prostate cancer treated?

Treating prostate cancer depends on certain factors such as the stage of the disease, the patient's age, and his overall health. A combination of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery is planned for patients; which is best suited for them.

Active surveillance or Watchful waiting: As most prostate cancer grows relatively slowly; your doctor may track you closely and get your regular tests done to keep a check on your cancer status.

Surgery: Surgery for cancer depends upon the location and size of the tumor. There are various surgical procedures performed depending on the cancer stage. Surgery is considered suitable for healthy patients.

Hormone therapy: As the growth of prostate cancer is driven by male sex hormones known as androgens, lowering these hormone levels may help in slowing the growth of cancer.

Vaccine therapy: There is a vaccine present that boosts the immune system, which attacks cancer cells in the prostate gland. The vaccine is used in treating advanced prostate cancer, which is no longer responding to hormone therapy but leading to some or no symptoms.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs that stop the cancer cells from multiplying. These drugs are either taken orally or administered through the vein.

Radiation therapy: It is the leading treatment for prostate patients whose cancer has not spread. It utilizes high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses medicines and other substances which identify and attack the cancer cells. This treatment acts by targeting on cancer cells; it is less harmful than radiation and chemotherapy.

What is the cost of prostate cancer treatment in India?

The cost of prostate cancer treatment may vary with each case depending upon various factors like the stage of cancer, the overall health status of the patient, etc. In most cases of prostate cancer, doctors keep the patient in active surveillance as the growth of prostate cancer is slow. However, on average, the cost may range from 3- 9 lacs.

How can we help in the treatment of prostate cancer?

We act as your guide throughout your treatment journey and will be present physically with you even before your treatment is started. We will provide you with the following:

• Expert physicians and surgeon’s opinions
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointments with specialists
• Assistance in hospital formalities right from VIL, Admission, discharge and follow-ups.
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangement for medical travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are committed to providing the best healthcare services to our patients. We have a team of trained and highly dedicated health experts who would be there by your side right from the beginning of your journey. We would be your best pals in this journey.