Understanding the prostate: anatomy and key functions
Understanding the stages of prostate cancer and treatment options The prostate gland is an essential part of the male reproductive system, yet many men remain
Prostate cancer often develops slowly and generally won’t show any symptoms in its early stages, so it’s important to see your GP for a regular PSA test if you’re over 50 years old (or over 40 years old if you have a family history of prostate cancer).
As prostate cancer progresses, some signs may become noticeable. Symptoms can include: difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, or bone pain.
If your PSA test results are elevated, we accept referrals for further investigation including MRI and Transperineal Prostate Biopsy.
Diagnosing prostate cancer involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and specific tests. We can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the best course of action.
Diagnostic tools include MRI scans for patients with elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test results, to identify any suspicious lesions in the prostate. In the case of a suspicious lesion, a targeted Transperineal Prostate Biopsy may be performed, where tissue samples are taken from the prostate for examination to determine the presence of cancer.
Regular checks, including PSA testing, are crucial for early detection of prostate cancer, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Prostate cancer treatment is tailored to your individual needs, taking into account the stage of cancer, your overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment options range from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive surgical interventions or radiotherapy.
NanoKnife offers a minimally invasive treatment that uses electrical currents to destroy cancer cells, providing a targeted approach for some types of localised prostate cancer. We are one of the first clinics in New Zealand to offer this ground-breaking procedure. The benefits of NanoKnife include reduced recovery time, as it is performed as a day surgery, and less risk of side effects such as incontinence and impotence compared to surgery or radiotherapy.
Other advanced surgical techniques include robotic surgery which is a minimally invasive surgical technique that utilises advanced robotic systems to remove the cancer or prostate gland.
Radiotherapy treatments are also available. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancerous cells within the prostate gland.
To discuss treatment options, contact us to request an appointment.
A minimally invasive treatment that uses electrical currents to destroy cancer cells. Suitable for patients with some types of localised prostate cancer.
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A highly precise minimally invasive surgical method that allows for the removal of prostate cancer.
Understanding the stages of prostate cancer and treatment options The prostate gland is an essential part of the male reproductive system, yet many men remain
Ageing and the Prostate: What to expect in your 40s, 50s, and beyond The prostate, a small but crucial gland in the male reproductive system,
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, and understanding the available treatment options is an important first step for anyone facing a diagnosis, whether it’s for yourself or loved one. The treatment approach for prostate cancer varies significantly depending on its stage and progression, making it essential to understand the difference between localised and advanced forms of the disease.
When it comes to prostate health, two common conditions often cause confusion: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. While both affect the prostate gland, they are distinct in nature and treatment approaches.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in New Zealand. 1 in 8 New Zealand men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and the risk is doubled if they have a first-degree relative with prostate cancer. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra (the tube through which urine flows from the bladder out of the body). The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce seminal fluid, a component of semen that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. As men age, the prostate can become enlarged or develop cancer, making it essential to monitor and maintain prostate health.
Many prostate cancers are diagnosed early with PSA testing. Active surveillance aims to delay and prevent treatment related side effects on those men who have prostate cancers which are unlikely to need treatment find those men whose cancers are likely to grow and cause issues ensure that those men requiring treatment are still at a curable stage. Active surveillance involves monitoring prostate cancer rather than treating immediately.