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Prostate Cancer
Questions and Answers About
PROSTATE CANCER
1. What does the prostate do?
2. Where is it located?
3. What are common symptoms specially related to prostate cancer?
4. Is there a cure for advanced (in the bone) prostate cancer?
5. What is a normal PSA?
6. Does screening save lives?
7. Is a rectal examination necessary with the blood test?
8. Is PSA a sure sign of cancer?
9. When and how often should men get checked?
10. What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
11. What doctors treat prostate cancer at
UAMS Medical Center?
Making an Appointment
at UAMS Medical Center
To make an appointment, call 1-501-686-8000.
1.
What does the prostate do?
The prostate is a sex gland. During ejaculation, muscles surrounding
the prostate squeeze the seminal fluid into the urethra and out through the penis. The
urethra also carries urine. When the prostate is enlarged, it squeezes the urethra and
interrupts the control and flow of urine. Consequently, one of the symptoms of prostate
cancer is urinary difficulty.
2. Where is it located?
The prostate is a gland the size and shape of a
walnut. It is located below the bladder and between the bladder and the urethra, which is
the tube that drains the bladder. The urethra actually travels through the center of the
prostate.
3.
What are common symptoms specially related to prostate cancer?
Most often there are none. While some patients show no symptoms,
others may experience urinary difficulties such as frequent, difficult or painful
urination. Other symptoms include dribbling urine, blood or pus in the urine, or blood or
pain on ejaculation. These symptoms may also indicate prostate problems other than cancer.
To be sure, consult a doctor for a thorough examination. Prostate cancer often occurs
without symptoms. Regular testing can lead to life-saving therapy. By the time prostate
cancer appears, it is often too late.
4. Is there a cure for advanced (in the bone) prostate cancer?
No. Currently, there is no cure for advanced prostate cancer.
5. What is a normal PSA?
Generally, it is felt that a normal PSA is less than four. However, this has to be put
into perspective by a physician, because cancer can occur with a PSA less than four.
6. Does screening save lives?
Early detection and treatment before prostate cancer becomes an advanced disease improves
the chances for a cure.
7. Is a rectal examination necessary with the blood test?
Yes, it is necessary not only to detect prostate abnormalities, but also to check for
blood in the stool, which is an early warning sign for colon cancer.
8. Is PSA a sure sign of cancer?
No, it is not cancer specific!
9. When and how
often should men get checked?
Men should be checked annually, starting at age 50 up to age 75.
10. What
are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
The three primary risk factors for prostate cancer are age, family history, and race.
11.
What doctors treat prostate cancer at UAMS Medical Center?
The following doctors are board certified oncologists who have
additional training in prostate cancer. To find a complete bio, click on their name
below or the "Find a
Doctor" link and type in their last name.
Gurkamal
S. Chatta, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Geriatrics;
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Graham
F. Greene, MD
Assistant Professor of Urology
Manish Kohli, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Rajesh
V. Shah, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Hematology/Oncology
Making an Appointment at
UAMS Medical Center
To make an appointment, call 1-501-686-8000.
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