The prostate is a gland, about the size of a walnut, that is responsible for producing the fluid that makes semen. The prostate is located in the deep pelvis just above the rectum. However, the prostate is part of the urinary tract and sits between the bladder and the rest of the urethra. The prostate has a hole in the middle of it (the prostatic urethra) to allow urine and sperm to pass through it. Some people think of it like a donut, where the urine passes through the donut hole.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (not counting skin cancer) in the U.S. It will affect one in five men over their lifetime. Prostate cancer occurs in older men primarily. Prostate cancer is often found before it has spread to other parts of the body.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Adenocarcinoma
Almost all cases of prostate cancer begin in the gland cells that make the prostate fluid. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma. Other kinds of cancer can also start in the prostate. This includes small cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. But these types of cancer are rare. Most men with prostate cancer have adenocarcinoma.
Other types of growth that may affect the prostate include:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
As a man ages, the prostate can grow larger. BPH is a common condition. While not prostate cancer, it can cause the prostate to press on the urethra. Pressure on the urethra causes urination issues and can be treated.
Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)
This abnormal non-cancerous prostate growth may be found with a prostate biopsy. PIN can be low-grade or high-grade. Low-grade PIN is more common as men grow older. Men who have high-grade PIN have a chance that cancer is somewhere else in the prostate.
Signs and Symptoms
Localized prostate cancer typically causes no symptoms. Urinary frequency (daytime or nighttime), weak flow of stream, and urinary hesitancy are common symptoms among aging men. These symptoms are often not related to prostate cancer, therefore, screening tests, such as PSA or DRE, are crucial in obtaining a diagnosis early in the disease process.
Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer can include:
- Bone Pain
- Unintentional Weight Loss
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
One of only 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States. Sylvester is one of only two cancer centers in Florida that have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute. The team earned this distinction through its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. Sylvester is one of only five medical centers in the country with ViewRay™ — MRI-guided radiation therapy. Our RapidArc® radiotherapy system delivers intensity modulated external radiation therapy (IMRT). These tools lead to more efficient and effective treatments, shorter treatment times, pinpoint accuracy in tumor targeting, and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
More cancer clinical trials than any other South Florida hospital. If appropriate for your cancer and stage, our clinical trials provide you with easy access to the very newest ways to treat and potentially cure your cancer.
The only designated Cancer Center of Excellence in South Florida. We treat cancer, and only cancer, giving you the best potential outcomes. The likelihood of surviving cancer after five years at a Dedicated Cancer Center is 17 percent higher than at other hospitals.
Multidisciplinary care teams with nationally recognized expertise. Your care team is made up of experts in all aspects of your exact type of cancer. All of your physicians, nurses, and more collaborate to save lives.
Imaging expertise using the most advanced technology available. Our providers’ expertise allows them to distinguish between normal and abnormal findings and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan for the right diagnosis.
Non-invasive, radiation-free high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This highly effective alternative to surgery is less painful with low side effect occurrence, reduced recovery time, no blood loss, reduced risk for incontinence and impotence, and can be repeated, if necessary.
Premier center for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our MRI-guided technology helps us provide accurate active surveillance and pinpoint radiation targeting. You can be confident that no treatment is warranted or that your radiation therapy is spot-on.
Nationally-recognized treatment for prostate cancer. You can rely on our prostate cancer program for advanced, expert care. We are ranked among the top 10 programs in the United States. In addition, our Active Surveillance program, which helps men access safe, conservative cancer care, is the top program in Florida and among the top five programs in the United States. We were also the first hospital in the nation to become fully certified in using Ablatherm robotic high-intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat prostate cancer.
Breakthroughs in prostate cancer diagnosis. Our urologists use the latest tools to diagnose prostate cancer and design personalized treatment plans. We were the first medical center in South Florida to use MRI Fusion Biopsy — advanced technology that allows us to identify your cancer using genetics and imaging. We are also the first medical center to offer the 4K score — an advanced blood test that screens for prostate cancer and helps guide treatment decisions.