Our Services / Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the cells of the prostate, the small male gland that produces semen to nourish and transport sperm. 

While the underlying cause of prostate cancer isn’t well understood, changes in the DNA of your cells can cause the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than usual. These cells can bind together and form a tumor that can grow into surrounding tissue and spread into other areas of your body. 

Your risk factors for prostate cancer increase as you age, especially if you’re over 50. If you’re Black, have a family history of the disease, or have weight challenges, you may also be at a higher risk for prostate cancer.

Without treatment, prostate cancer can spread to your bladder or your bloodstream. You may also be at increased risk for developing side effects, like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. 

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In the early stages of prostate cancer, you may not have any symptoms. As the cancer progresses and forms a tumor, you may experience:

• Pain
• Difficulties urinating
• Urine leakage
• Weight loss

Because these symptoms can also relate to other underlying health conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it’s important that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates when your symptoms start. 

The team uses advanced diagnostic testing services on-site to confirm or rule out prostate cancer. They also provide preventive cancer screenings on-site to identify cancer in the earliest stages, before you even have symptoms. 

How is prostate cancer treated?

The urology specialists at Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates may not need to treat all cases of prostate cancer initially. They may take a watchful approach to monitor the progression of the cancer before recommending treatment. 

If you need treatment, the team may recommend:

Radical prostatectomy

During a radical prostatectomy, the team uses the da Vinci® robotic surgery system to remove cancerous tissue through small incisions with a high level of precision. 

Radiation or cryotherapy

After surgery, you may still need radiation to destroy any remaining cancerous cells in the prostate. In some cases, the team can use cryotherapy to destroy cells. This therapy uses extreme cold and ultrasound technology to isolate and destroy cancerous cells. 

GreenLight™ laser therapy

In some cases, the Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates team can use the GreenLight laser system from Boston Scientific to treat side effects of prostate cancer, such as urethra blockages that interfere with urination. The laser removes excess or enlarged prostate tissues without the need for additional surgery. 

Hormone therapy

If you have cancer that’s no longer curable or you can’t tolerate surgical treatments, the Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates team may recommend hormone therapy to prevent cancer cells from growing. Hormones either stop your body from producing testosterone or block the hormone from entering cancer cells. 

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of prostate cancer, call the Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates office nearest you today, or book a consultation online today.