Prostate Cancer
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Male Fertility Doc
Eric K. Seaman, MD
Urologist located in Millburn, NJ & Denville, NJ
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and even worse, it often goes unnoticed for months or even years because it doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. At his practice Male Fertility Doc in Denville and Millburn, New Jersey, board-certified urologist Eric K. Seaman, M.D., can successfully treat prostate cancer, especially if the disease is caught early in its development. To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Prostate Cancer Q & A
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is abnormal and dangerous cell growth that attacks the prostate, a small gland about the size of a walnut that makes up an important part of the male reproductive system.
One of the most common types of cancer in men, prostate cancer usually grows relatively slowly. It’s considered a very treatable type of cancer, especially when it’s caught early before it has a chance to spread out of the prostate.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In its early stages, there are no symptoms of prostate cancer. However, as it develops, it commonly causes:
- Trouble urinating
- A weak or intermittent stream when you do urinate
- Blood in your semen
- Discomfort in your pelvic region
- Pain in your pelvic bone
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
These symptoms are similar to the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a very common condition in older men that’s also known as an enlarged prostate. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with Dr. Seaman to confirm that you’re cancer-free, even if you think you just have BPH.
How is prostate cancer treated?
The most important step you can take to treat prostate cancer is getting regular screenings to check for the disease. Catching prostate cancer early in its development is crucial, and since it’s usually asymptomatic, a regularly scheduled screening test is generally the only way to catch prostate cancer as early as possible. This is usually done with a digital prostate exam that’s part of a standard physical exam for men over the age of 50.
If an exam and urinalysis test confirm you have prostate cancer, the next step is usually taking a biopsy to determine how aggressive the cancer is. Dr. Seaman may also order other tests like an ultrasound or a bone scan to determine if the cancer has spread.
The treatment Dr. Seaman recommends depends on these factors, and in some cases, treatment may not be immediately necessary. Surgery to remove the prostate is often an effective treatment, especially if the cancer is still contained in the prostate. Radiation and chemotherapy are also effective solutions, depending on how much the cancer has spread.
If you have prostate cancer, or have any questions about treatment, call the office of Eric K. Seaman, M.D., or schedule an appointment online today.
