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It is the most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of death in men after cardiovascular diseases: Prostate cancer. There are approximately 7,000 cases every year in this country. A malignant tumor that rarely occurs before the age of 50 and is generally slow-growing, but tends to metastasize in aggressive forms. The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of recovery. But that’s exactly what’s misleading about this disease: Prostate cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in its early stages. The prostate can cause symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate or a weakened urine flow. However, these indicate benign enlargement of the prostate.
In some cases, cancer is diagnosed only when new shoots form. They also cause pain. The situation was the same for G.*. The 65-year-old man was looking forward to his retirement when he suddenly started experiencing severe back pain. “Investigations later revealed the diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer,” says PD Dr. med. Aurelius Omlin, MD, medical oncologist at the Zurich Oncocenter and Head of the Uro-Oncology Center at the Hirslanden Clinic. “These were already very widespread and were located in the left spine, ribs and scapula.” Oncologist Aurelius Omlin specializes in advanced prostate cancer. In the interview he explains what approaches are available today (see box).
How can I detect prostate cancer early?
This case shows how important it is to detect prostate cancer as early as possible. But when is it early enough and how should I act like a man to avoid getting sick? Problem: Real risk factors: B. lung cancer (smoking) is not present in the prostate, PD Dr. med. Urologist Thomas Hermanns, from the Hirslanden Clinics Urology Center in Zurich, says: “There is evidence that high meat and alcohol consumption may increase the risk of disease. However, there is nothing actually wrong with the prostate.”
The biggest risk factor is another: family history. However, this situation is not limited to prostate cancer cases seen only in close relatives such as fathers and brothers. “Cancer cases in the mother or other family members may also play a role here,” says Hermanns. In this case, it is important to undergo preventive control in a timely manner. “It has been proven that relevant prostate tumors occur at the age of 50 and beyond. It makes sense to screen from this age, but if there is a family history of the disease, we recommend the first check-up at the age of 45.” Hirslanden Clinic strictly adheres to the recommendations of the European Urological Association.
This is how early detection works
Their guidelines also specify exactly how this early diagnosis should work: First, the prostate is palpated through the rectum. “It’s a harmless examination, but sometimes it can be a little uncomfortable,” says expert Thomas Hermanns. A healthy prostate feels elastic and firm. If an erection is felt, this may be a sign of prostate cancer. In parallel with the finger test, PSA value (prostate specific antigen) is determined in the blood. It is produced only in the prostate and if it is elevated it may indicate that prostate cancer is present. However, the test may also be elevated in case of benign prostate enlargement or inflammation; Therefore, a high PSA value does not always indicate prostate cancer.
If either test produces an abnormal finding, further investigations are needed to find out whether it is simply prostate enlargement or inflammation, or whether a malignant tumor is present. For this purpose, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can detect suspicious tumor areas within the prostate, is used. Biopsy then provides final certainty. Urologist Dr. “It is important that we prepare the patient for possible cancer during this evaluation phase,” he emphasizes. Hermanns. “At Hirslanden, we support those affected and their relatives very closely from the very beginning. A psycho-oncologist is also available on request.”
Focus on personalized therapy approaches
The emphasis is on personalized medicine in order to choose the best possible treatment for each patient. Each patient is discussed individually in an interdisciplinary tumor board at the Hirslanden Clinic, after which the committee of experts jointly determines the appropriate treatment. Different therapeutic approaches are used depending on the initial situation:
Comprehensive care and aftercare
The specialist explains which approach to choose for which patient, depending on the patient’s age and general health condition, the size of the tumor, its aggressiveness and the stage of the disease. Once the appropriate type of therapy has been selected, a detailed discussion takes place again. “We also explain the side effects of different types of treatments.”
Because: Both surgery and radiation can cause side effects such as urinary incontinence and erection problems. Thanks to the Da Vinci method, very precise surgeries are now possible, meaning serious urinary incontinence problems have now become very rare. Erectile dysfunction after surgery depends on whether it is possible to preserve the nerves at the edge of the prostate. Technically, this can often be done very well with the da Vinci robot, but in the case of large tumors, preserving the nerves can be very dangerous as tumor tissue may be left behind.
Radiation therapy has also become much more precise in recent years, so that urinary incontinence due to irritation of the bladder is less common. However, during radiation, the nerves on the surface of the prostate cannot be completely protected and erection problems may occur even after radiation. “During concomitant hormone therapy, there are always limitations in libido and erectile function because the patient is deprived of testosterone for a long period of time,” says Hermanns. Possible solutions to these side effects are then discussed with the urologist. “For example, physiotherapy is prescribed to complete exercises that will strengthen the pelvic floor muscles before and after surgery to prevent urinary incontinence.”
Follow-up care for patients at the Hirslanden Clinic often goes beyond the recommended ‘minimum’. “If the patient notices that something has worsened between regular check-ups after treatment or is generally unsure, he or she can contact me at any time,” says Thomas Hermanns. The principle of the certified prostate cancer center at the Hirslanden Clinic: ensuring that patients feel well cared for before, during and after their cancer treatment.
*Editor’s name known
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
