Prostate Cancer
Certain types of prostate cancer require surgery or minimally invasive treatments. But many types don’t require treatment. The key is to get care from urologic oncologists who offer the latest prostate cancer treatment technologies while avoiding unnecessary procedures.
At Memorial Cancer Institute, we’re proud to be innovators in the field of prostate cancer treatment. Our doctors know when prostate cancer needs advanced care — and when it’s better to skip treatment.
Prostate Cancer Treatment at Memorial Cancer Institute: Why Choose Us
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, need a second opinion or have an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA), we can help. Our program offers you:
- Exceptional doctors: Our team includes a world renowned urologic cancer specialist who's pioneered many breakthroughs in prostate cancer care. He's worked at the National Cancer Institute, and the U.S. government’s primary cancer research agency. He was the first urologic cancer specialist in the U.S. to practice pain management for prostate biopsies, and his research has also focused on methods for avoiding urinary incontinence while still controlling prostate cancer. In addition, our other urologic cancer specialist has performed over 1,000 robotic procedures, trained and taught at memorial Sloan Kettering cancer center, and is a thought leader in the management and treatment of advanced urologic cancer care.
- Latest surgical options: Our urologic oncologists have completed the highest level of training in the most advanced prostate cancer surgeries, including robotic-assisted nerve sparing prostatectomy. This surgery removes the cancer while minimizing sexual problems like erectile dysfunction. It also involves tiny incisions, so you recover faster.
- Early diagnosis: Finding prostate cancer early leads to better outcomes. Memorial Cancer Institute was the first hospital system in South Florida — and one of the first in the nation — to use PYLARIFY®. This highly advanced imaging test spots prostate cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective.
- Full range of treatments: We create a treatment plan that focuses on your safety and health. Many males with prostate cancer don’t need surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. In these cases, we avoid overtreatment and use our expertise to carefully watch the tumor for any changes.
- Focus on your comfort: Cancer care should be about more than treating a tumor. That’s why we provide support services to minimize stress, pain and more. From psychological support to acupuncture, we take the extra step to help you feel your best. Learn more about our integrated treatment approach.
- Comprehensive team: Our prostate cancer team is made up of different specialists, depending on your unique needs, including urologic, medical and radiation oncologists who work together to provide seamless care.
- Convenient appointments: We focus on helping you get the care you need quickly. Most people can see our specialists within a few days.
Prostate Cancer and Enlarged Prostate Diagnosis
A PSA blood test is a common screening tool to check for prostate cancer. But even if you have an elevated PSA, it doesn’t mean you have cancer or that you need your prostate removed. In fact, an elevated PSA might mean you have a benign (non-cancerous) prostate condition or an enlarged prostate.
Seeing a skilled urologist is an important first step in determining if you have prostate cancer. Our experienced urologists run additional tests to get you answers quickly. Your testing may include:
- Cystoscopy: This nonsurgical test uses a thin, flexible tube to look inside the urethra (tube where urine exits the body) and view the prostate.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): Your doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger in your rectum to feel for abnormal growths on the prostate.
- Ultrasound: This imaging test can reveal whether your prostate has a benign enlargement or a growth that could be cancer.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Treatment plans for prostate cancer can vary widely from person to person. Faster-growing or larger prostate tumors may require more treatment than smaller, slower-growing ones. Your plan may include:
- Active surveillance for prostate cancer
- Focal Ablation
- Prostatectomy (prostate removal) and Robotic Prostatectomy
- Radiation Treatment
- Chemotherapy
Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
If you have a low risk of prostate cancer growing or spreading, active surveillance may be a good option for you. With this plan, your urologic oncologist checks your prostate regularly to ensure the tumor isn’t changing.
Dr. Soloway was among the first doctors in the world to discover that many people don’t need surgery or other treatment for prostate cancer. Your safety and health come first, and we have decades of experience using this strategy.
Focal Ablation
Focal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate. This treatment destroys cancer cells with a special laser or freezing agent, leaving the rest of the prostate intact.
Prostatectomy (prostate removal) and Robotic Prostatectomy
If a prostate tumor is fast-growing or large, removing the prostate is often an effective treatment choice. Our doctors offer the full range of prostatectomy techniques, including robotic-assisted nerve sparing prostatectomy.
Robotic-assisted nerve sparing prostatectomy offers effective cancer-fighting results without damaging nearby nerves. Other advantages include:
- Faster recoveries
- Highly detailed magnification so surgeons can see cancers more clearly for more precise removal
- Lower risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) after surgery
- Less pain and bleeding due to smaller incisions
Radiation Treatment
Radiation uses specialized, high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Different types of radiation treat prostate cancer, including:
- Brachytherapy: This treatment places the radiation source directly inside the prostate gland. Brachytherapy can kill cancer cells while lowering the risk of damage to surrounding tissue.
- External beam radiation: With this treatment, doctors deliver radiation to the prostate with a special machine that’s outside of the body. External beam radiation can sometimes cure early-stage cancers or relieve pain if the cancer has spread to the bone.
Our radiation team includes board-certified radiation oncologists whose training goes beyond the area standards. Learn more about radiation oncology at Memorial Cancer Institute.
Chemotherapy
If prostate cancer doesn’t respond to surgery and radiation, you may need chemotherapy. Our medical oncologists discuss the best medication for you and how and when you will receive treatment.
Some chemotherapy medicines are pills. Others require an intravenous (IV) line in an infusion suite.
Make an Appointment
Our urologic cancer specialists see patients throughout South Florida. To schedule an appointment, please call 305-682-2580.
