Advanced Urology Associates Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence
Advanced Urology Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence offers the most state-of-the-art treatments for prostate cancer available.
About Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a gland found only in men. It is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut. The urethra that carries urine from the bladder out of the body runs through the prostate. It also produces some of the fluid that helps keep the sperm alive and healthy.
As men get older, the prostate tends to enlarge. Sometimes, it can squeeze the urethra and can cause urinary complications. This is known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy or BPH and is not the same as prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States. The incidence is increasing in part due to an increase in awareness and improved detection, but also due to the aging of the U.S. population. Studies have shown no relationship of prostate cancer to infections, dietary habits, smoking, sexual habits or occupational exposure and there is no known relationship between benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer are three times more likely to develop the disease. If a man has a father or brother who has had prostate cancer before the age of 65, his chances for developing it increases fourfold. One in every eight men will develop prostate cancer and one if every three men will develop the disease in the African American community.
What are the Signs of Prostate Cancer?
In many cases, prostate cancer grows slowly over several years. Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have signs or symptoms. Symptoms most often show up later as the cancer grows.
Signs of advanced prostate cancer could include:
- Trouble having or keeping an erection (impotence)
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the back, hips, ribs, or other bones
- Feeling weak or numb in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Most of the time, these symptoms are caused by something other than cancer. Still, if you have any of these problems, you should see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated.
How is Prostate Cancer Detected?
A digital rectal exam is a routine exam usually performed at a yearly office visit with your doctor. To perform this exam, the doctor will feel the prostate through the rectum for any abnormalities. An abnormality could consist of a firm prostate or any bumps felt within the prostate.
A PSA test is a simple blood test performed by your doctor. PSA is a substance that is made by the prostate. If this level increases, it may alert your doctor to a problem.
If you have an abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE) and/or an abnormal PSA blood test Your doctor may order a biopsy of the prostate.
How is Prostate Cancer Detected?
The Next Generation of Prostate Cancer Detection
The next generation of prostate cancer care and detection, the UroNav Fusion Biopsy System, is available at Advanced Urology Associates Prostate Cancer Center. The UroNav has changed how we diagnose and treat prostate cancer. With this state-of-the-art technology, a patient will have a Multiparametric MRI image of their prostate gland, which is useful to detect suspicious lesions. The image is then fused with an ultrasound image to help pinpoint questionable areas of the prostate to prepare for needle biopsy. This precision helps eliminate taking multiple biopsies, and may also detect aggressive tumors that may have otherwise been missed.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Locations
Advanced Urology treats prostate cancer in patients from Aurora, Bolingbrook, Bourbonnais, Chicago, Crest Hill, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Frankfort, Homer Glen, Joliet, Lombard, Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Morris, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Park Ridge, Plainfield, Tinley Park, Wheaton and Woodridge.
