What are the treatment options for prostate problems according to Dr. Scott Klavans?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Prostate problems are common in aging men and can include issues with urination and the development of cancer.
  2. Treatment options for prostate problems vary depending on the severity, type of cancer, and the patient’s age and overall health.
  3. Advanced Urology Institute offers comprehensive care for patients with prostate problems, with experienced urologists like Dr. Scott Klavans.

Prostate problems are a common issue for men as they age, and it’s essential to understand the available treatment options to manage these concerns effectively. M. Scott Klavans, MD, a urologist in Palm Harbor, FL, shares his expertise on the various treatment options for prostate problems, ranging from watchful waiting to more invasive procedures.

The Role of Prostate and Common Problems

The prostate is a small gland that plays a crucial role in male reproductive health. As men age, the prostate can become a nuisance, causing issues such as enlargement, difficulties with urination, and the development of cancer. According to Dr. Klavans, many patients experience problems with urination, difficulty emptying their bladder, and frequent nighttime urination. Prostate cancer is also a prevalent concern that requires treatment.

Treatment Options for Prostate Problems

Dr. Klavans explains that there are various treatment options available for prostate problems, depending on the severity of the issue, the type and aggressiveness of cancer, and the patient’s age and overall health. Some of these treatment options include:

  1. Watchful waiting: For some patients, it may be appropriate to monitor the prostate problem without immediate intervention. This approach may be suitable for slow-growing cancers or minor urinary issues.
  2. Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells in the prostate. It can be an effective option for treating localized prostate cancer.
  3. Robotic surgery: Also known as a robotic prostatectomy, this minimally invasive procedure involves removing the prostate gland using a robot-assisted surgical system.
  4. Cryotherapy: This treatment involves freezing the prostate gland to destroy cancer cells. It may be suitable for patients with localized prostate cancer who are not candidates for surgery or radiation therapy.
  5. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): HIFU uses ultrasound energy to heat and destroy cancer cells in the prostate. This treatment is a newer option for localized prostate cancer and is still being studied for its long-term effectiveness.

Advanced Urology Institute: Expertise and Quality Care

As the largest urology practice in Florida, Advanced Urology Institute provides comprehensive care for patients with prostate problems and other urological concerns. With a team of skilled and experienced urologists, including Dr. Scott Klavans, patients can trust that they are receiving the best care possible. If you’re experiencing prostate problems or have concerns about your urological health, consider consulting with the experts at Advanced Urology Institute.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Scott Klavans, MD from Advanced Urology Institute.

Well, you know, typically the prostate, as you’re younger, you need your prostate to

help with pregnancy and certain enzymes as you get older.

The prostate is just a nuisance, it either gets big, causes problems urinating, or forms

cancer that needs to be treated.

We see it very commonly, people having difficulty urinating, difficulty emptying their bladder,

getting up at night.

Certainly we see a fair amount of prostate cancer that we treat also.

Options vary from anywhere from simply watching it and not treating it at all, to radiation

therapy, surgery to remove your prostate robotically.

There’s cryotherapy, which is freezing of the prostate, HIFU, which is high intensity

frequency ultrasound of the prostate.

So there’s many different options there, it just depends on the amount of cancer, the

type of cancer, the aggressiveness of the cancer, patient’s age, patient’s health, those

types of things.

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How the Prostate Changes As You Age

For the early part of men’s lives, their prostate is an organ that they never notice. The walnut-shaped reproductive organ located just below the bladder does its job without causing any interruptions in their daily lives. However, this changes as men age. Beginning around age 40, their prostates begin to grow. According to board-certified urologist Dr. Billy Vanasupa, “There’s no rhyme or reason, it just does.”

The rate of growth is different for everyone. The prostate will grow faster in some men than in others. In some cases, the enlarging prostate can cause problems immediately for a man in his early 40s. In other cases, men may be in their 80s or 90s before they begin to see the effects of a growing prostate. Most commonly though, men in their late 50s and early 60s begin to experience urinary issues that begin slowly and increase in severity.

Some of the most common issues are the slowing of the urine stream, pushing to urinate, having to go back to the bathroom 10-15 minutes after urinating, feeling like the bladder may not be fully emptied, and having to get up frequently at night to go to the bathroom. All the symptoms can be associated with the frequent and sudden urge to use the bathroom.

These symptoms are a sign that it is time for a man to see his urologist. The symptoms will only increase in severity without treatment as the prostate continues to grow. The urologist will begin by helping a patient understand what is causing the issue, using a diagram to show where the prostate is and how it presses on the urethra as it grows. The enlarging prostate makes it difficult for urine to pass through the urethra on its way out of the body.

Treatment begins with medication to help with urination. These medicines help slow the growth of the prostate and relax the muscles around the bladder to make urination easier. A urologist also will do a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer. Not all cases of prostate enlargement are connected to cancer growth, but it is important to screen for the disease as a precaution.

Men’s bodies change in many ways as they age, and the prostate is no exception. Urologists at the Advanced Urology Institute focus on making sure their patients understand how their bodies are changing with age and how they can work with their urologist to stay in the best shape. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Complications from an Enlarged Prostate

Video: Complications from an Enlarged Prostate



Studies show that when the male hormone testosterone reaches the prostate in large amounts, it increases the speed of production of prostate cells and promotes the gland’s enlargement. Contact a urologist now and get treatment for this condition as soon as possible. [Read Full Article…]