KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Prostate problems are common in aging men and can include issues with urination and the development of cancer.
- Treatment options for prostate problems vary depending on the severity, type of cancer, and the patient’s age and overall health.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Robotic surgery: Also known as a robotic prostatectomy, this minimally invasive procedure involves removing the prostate gland using a robot-assisted surgical system.
- 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.
- 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.
REFERENCES:
- “Prostate Cancer Treatment – American Cancer Society.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating.html.
- “Prostate Cancer: Types of Treatment.” https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/types-treatment.
- “Prostate Diseases – MedlinePlus.” 17 Aug. 2022, https://medlineplus.gov/prostatediseases.html.
