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Prostate and Testicular Cancer

Men have a much greater chance of getting cancer, and a much higher propensity to die from it. Our goal is to minimize this disparity and to educate our male patients to take steps to reduce their risks. If cancer is detected, our patient-centered approach takes into account men’s behaviors and communicates ways to improve their chances of survival.

Prostate Cancer At A Glance

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Symptoms

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men.  Early-stage prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, however there are screening tests that can help detect cancer before it spreads. Late-stage symptoms can be indicated by frequent, strained, painful or weak urination; blood in your urine or pain in your bones, and may indicate advanced or spread of disease.

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Common Concerns

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. However, most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, as well as men with immediate relatives who have or had prostate cancer. When you turn 50, talk to your primary care physician about the pros and cons of regular prostate cancer screenings. You should start talking with your provider at age 45 if you are African-American or have family members with a history of prostate cancer. 

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Steps to Diagnosis

Early detection is especially important for prostate cancer. So be sure to visit your primary care physician regularly and consider PSA testing. If cancer is suspected, your physician may refer you to one of our genitourinary oncology specialists for further testing.

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Prevention

To decrease your risk of prostate cancer, maintain a healthy body weight, avoid excess red meat or charred meat in your diet and be cautious when using any testosterone supplements.

Testicular Cancer At A Glance

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Symptoms

Testicular cancer is most commonly a disease of younger, adult men. Any lump, hardness, tenderness or enlarged area of your testicle could be the first signs of testicular cancer, and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Most other symptoms don’t appear until after the cancer has spread, including back or abdominal pain, weight loss, chronic cough or swollen lymph nodes.

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Common Concerns

Most testicular cancers can be cured, even if they are diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, some treatment for testicular cancer can cause infertility, so men who want to have children may want to use sperm banking to store sperm before they begin treatment.

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Steps to Diagnosis

Often an ultrasound of the testicles and blood tests can aid in diagnosis, but immediate referral to a Urologist or Genitourinary Cancer specialists is critical to care.

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Prevention

Be sure to check yourself regularly and see your primary care physician immediately if you discover any new lumps, numbness, or changes in your testicles.

Treatment

Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, and your physician may recommend more frequent testing or other monitoring before suggesting additional treatment:

Testicular cancer is usually treated immediately and often starts with a surgical approach. 


Surgery

Surgery to remove the prostate and surrounding tissues is often performed, and most often done robotically through small incisions.  Early testicular cancer surgery typically involves removal of the testicle, which is usually same day surgery. Sometimes, removal of the lymph nodes is recommended, depending on the subtype of cancer.


Surveillance

Surveillance is the most common treatment for low grade prostate cancer and low stage testicular cancer.  This usually involves repeat biopsies, lab testing and periodic imaging tests with CT scan or MRI. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy includes the use of external radiation (high-powered energy beams such as X-rays) or internal radiation (brachytherapy delivered directly to the tumor).  We have expertise in conventional external radiation therapy, specialized stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) whereby conventional treatment is reduced to five focused and precise treatments, as well as in high-dose-rate brachytherapy in which tubes are utilized to deliver radiation directly into the tumor.


Chemotherapy

Intravenous and/or oral medication that attacks and kills cancer cells in the body.


Immunotherapy

Intravenous medication that stimulates your immune system, helping it recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Photo Credit: Nick Merrick

Our Approach

Most testicular cancer responds well to treatment, even in advanced stages. And most prostate cancer is just the opposite, and early detection and careful treatment are critical. Wherever you are, we’re right there with you – because cancer is personal to us.

Our interdisciplinary team considers the right care plan from multiple perspectives, often consulting with our internal team of experts to gather up-to-the-moment insight on treatment options.

Then, your course of treatment will be designed to suit your exact medical needs, using precision medicine to do the most good while remaining minimally invasive. That means we’re focused not just on eradicating the disease, but on preserving your quality of life before, during, and after your treatment.

We are here to help you heal as a whole person.  Wherever your care path leads, you can be sure our entire team will be there with you every step of the way.


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Please contact us to for more information about other cancers and conditions we treat including:

  • Bladder Cancer
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Adrenal Cancer
  • Penile Cancer
  • Ureter
  • Urethral Cancer

Continuing Support

Wherever your individual care plan takes you, we’ll work closely with you to understand your preferences, and your needs – and be sure any additional support is ready when you need it, including:

  • Dietary or nutrition advisors, providing special focus and attention for chemo patients
  • Genetic counselors to help you understand your risk factors
  • Social workers dedicated to easing your emotional burdens and helping with community benefits
  • Financial counselors to help you understand the financial aspect and work with you to reduce the burden when possible
  • Specialty pharmacy liaisons who help authorize your prescriptions and educate you on managing side effects and taking your medicine properly
  • Nurse navigators to help guide you throughout the cancer institute, every step of the way
  • Physical and rehabilitation therapists who provide integrated care alongside your primary care plan