Prostate Cancer Treatment in NYC

Diagnosis & Treatment in Midtown Manhattan

If there is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate, it is certainly possible that this could be a case of prostate cancer. The prostate is an organ that solely exists in males, as it is a vital part of the semen production process.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages. It can be detected by a digital rectal exam or a PSA blood test. Due to the location of the prostate and its proximity to the urinary system, many signs of prostate cancer will relate to urinary function or the general pelvic region. Such symptoms often include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weakened urine stream
• Pain within the pelvis or low back
• Blood in urine and/or semen
• Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Loss of control of the bladder or bowels
• Increased frequency of urination

The list of symptoms above may describe a variety of urology conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is important that you seek treatment if you notice any of these warning signs, as it is always best to catch a condition in its earliest stages, especially if that condition does in fact turn out to be cancer.

What Are the Types of Prostate Cancer?

There are multiple unique forms of prostate cancer that men are at risk of developing. This risk is influenced by a variety of factors such as older age, family history, race, and obesity.

Depending upon where in the prostate the abnormal cells develop, a man may have one of five different types of prostate cancer. Most often, this particular form of cancer is classified as adenocarcinomas. Other types consist of:

• Transitional cell carcinomas
• Small cell carcinomas
• Sarcomas
• Neuroendocrine tumors

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Regardless of what form of prostate cancer has affected an individual, each will require diagnostic imaging and maybe also a biopsy to confirm a definitive diagnosis.

In some cases, it may be advised for the patient to have their tumor removed from the prostate regardless of whether or not it has been identified as cancerous. The primary reason for this being that large growths on or within the prostate can cause a wide range of troublesome symptoms until the tumor is removed.

How Can You Minimize the Side Effects of Prostate Cancer Treatment?

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Dr. Hillel Marans will take the time to determine the cancer treatment best for you. If you are recieving radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, discuss the benefits of SpaceOAR® or Barrigel® to reduce your side effects.

WHAT IS SPACEOAR® HYDROGEL?

SpaceOAR hydrogel is an option for men who undergo radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It acts as a spacer providing space between the rectum and the prostate, making it much less likely that the rectum is exposed to radiation. It is injected into place prior to the start of radiation treatment. Patients may be awake or asleep under general anesthesia for the procedure. SpaceOAR hydrogel is minimally invasive, remains stable during radiation therapy and then is gradually absorbed by the body after radiation therapy has been completed.

WHAT IS BARRIGEL®?

Barrigel® Hyaluronic Acid Rectal Spacer can help minimize prostate radiation side effectsby temporarily positioning the rectum away from the prostate.

When inserted, Barrigel creates space between the prostate and the rectum, moving the healthy organ out of radiation beam exposure.

Barrigel is the first and only spacer that can be sculpted by your doctor, ensuring a custom fit. More personalized coverage allows more complete protection.