East Jefferson General Hospital has a tremendous track record in the treatment
of prostate cancer by bringing the very latest techniques, technologies,
and talent to beat prostate cancer. From Radiation to Hormone Treatment
to Robotic Surgery, East Jefferson General Hospital is an innovative and
effective fighter against prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men.
Genetics and age play a role in its development. But what other risks are
involved? Below you will find information including frequently asked questions
about prostate cancer along with information on screening and treatments
for prostate cancer. If you, or someone you know, needs to consult with
a physician regarding your prostate health, call 504.503.7000. They will
be happy to connect you with a physician who meets your health and insurance needs.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and in most
men it grows very slowly. There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms.
Prostate cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy,
hormonal therapy, and/or radiation.
What causes prostate cancer?
Diet and genetics may be factors in prostate cancer development, but they
are not the only ones. Research shows that our lifestyle choices factor
in as well. Drinking, smoking, and other choices can significantly heighten
your risk factors. Age, race, family history, and even a sedentary lifestyle
can play a factor as well.
How can I prevent prostate cancer?
It may not be possible to prevent prostate cancer, but you may be able
to lower your risk. Taking Vitamin E, moving to a leaner diet high in
fruits and vegetables, eliminating tobacco, minimizing your alcohol intake,
exercising regularly, and managing stress can all be beneficial in prevention/risk
reduction.
Is prostate cancer screening necessary?
Despite controversy, most doctors agree the prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
blood test remains an important and necessary diagnostic tool. Men over
50 should absolutely add a prostate screening to their annual exam regimen.
UroNav technology boasts 90% positive predictive values for prostate cancer
detection in recent studies, available at our East Jefferson Imaging Center.
Prostate cancer screening
Some screening tests are used because they have been shown to find cancers
early. Early detection is one of the best tools that we have against any
type of cancer. Scientists study screening tests to find those with the
fewest risks and most benefits. For some types of cancer, finding and
treating the disease at an early stage may result in a better chance of recovery.
Currently, there is no standard or routine screening test for prostate
cancer; however, screening tests for prostate cancer are under study,
and there are screening clinical trials taking place in many parts of
the country. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from
the National Cancer Institute at
www.cancer.gov.
Digital rectal exam (DRE) is an exam of the rectum. The doctor or nurse
inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum
to feel the prostate for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) is a test that measures the level
of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made mostly by the prostate that
may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate
cancer. The level of PSA may also be high in men who have an infection
or inflammation of the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH;
an enlarged, but noncancerous, prostate). If a man has a high PSA level
and a biopsy of the prostate does not show cancer, a prostate cancer gene
3 (PCA3) test may be done. This test measures the amount of PCA3 in the
urine. If the PCA3 level is high, another biopsy may help diagnose prostate cancer.
Technologies for the detection and treatment of prostate cancer
UroNav: a breakthrough in prostate cancer detection
East Jefferson General Hospital is proud to offer this powerful solution
for targeted biopsy of the prostate. The UroNav fusion biopsy system offers
a cutting edge option for many patients with elevated and/or rising PSA
levels. UroNav fuses pre-biopsy MR images of the prostate with ultrasound-guided
biopsy images in real time, for excellent delineation of the prostate
and suspicious lesions.
Targeted MR/ultrasound biopsy is poised to become the new standard in prostate
care, and East Jefferson General Hospital is pleased to offer this powerful
solution to our patients.
A leader in robotic surgery
With the addition of the S-Generation da Vinci Robotic Surgical System,
East Jefferson General Hospital stands at the forefront in the areas of
robotic and minimally invasive surgery. Traditional prostate surgery calls
for an incision running from the navel to the groin. The surgery is usually
followed by several days of hospitalization and a recovery period that
can take weeks.
Today, da Vinci represents the gold standard in prostatectomy. Robotic
Prostatectomy allows for three incisions that are each less than an inch
long. Patients are usually hospitalized for a couple of days and overall
recovery times are reduced by several days.
