Prostate cancer represents about 7% of all cancer cases. To date, there are no reliable methods for the prevention of this disease, as well as determining the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, modern medicine can diagnose prostate cancer at the very early stages, as well as successfully treat it at almost all stages.
Due to using new equipment and the results of modern research in the sphere of oncology, more and more patients choose clinics for cancer treatment abroad. An example of such a country is Turkey. We are all used to the fact that Turkey is a place for relaxation, but not for medicine. However, a high percentage of successful prostate cancer treatment in Turkey makes this country one of the leaders in prostate cancer treatment.
Causes of prostate cancer
The main reason for the development of this disease is still unknown because prostate cancer has a multifactorial nature of development. The main risk factor is age-related changes in the male body. According to statistics, in 65% of cases, prostate cancer is diagnosed at the age of over 60 years. Men with the disease in the family history are at risk for prostate cancer. However, there are other predisposing factors for prostate cancer:
- Excess fat in the diet.
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse.
- Progressive prostate adenoma.
- Chronic vitamin D deficiency.
- High testosterone levels.
Symptoms
Many of us are interested in the first signs characteristic of prostate cancer, which may allow diagnosing the disease as early as possible. Unfortunately, there are none of them. The reason is that the disease may not manifest itself at all for a long time. That is why there are so many cases of detecting a tumor at the late, advanced stages. The formation of metastases often causes the development of symptoms.
Most often, metastases of prostate tumors affect bones. Bone metastases can cause severe pain, pathological fractures, and compression of the spinal cord leading to paralysis and paresis. The presence of metastases in the pelvic lymph nodes can lead to the edema of the lower extremities. Multiple liver metastases can manifest themselves with jaundice. An indicator of lung damage is coughing and hemoptysis.
At the initial stage of development, the malignant process is not accompanied by any symptoms. You need medical attention if you find one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain and burning sensation during ejaculation.
- The appearance of blood in urine and seminal fluid.
- Pain in the suprapubic region and lower back.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Pain or burning feeling during urination.
- Frequent urination.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer
The early diagnosis of prostate cancer is based on determining the level of prostate-specific antigen – PSA. In addition, doctors use the following methods:
- Digital rectal examination.
- Prostate biopsy.
- Computed tomography.
- Positron emission tomography in combination with CT.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Ultrasound scan of the prostate.
- Radioisotope studies.
- Cystoscopy.
More, precise and modern diagnostic method is PSMA PET-CT. PSMA is a protein that is synthesized in prostate cancer cells. Healthy cells also produce it, but in very small quantities. This method allows detecting both presences of a tumor and metastases. This method has already helped in the detection of prostate cancer in more than a million of cancer patients.
Modern treatment methods and their benefits
CyberKnife is the most advanced form of radiosurgery treatment. CyberKnife allows the treatment of hard-to-reach tumors without surgical intervention. Treatment with such systems has long been available in many Turkish clinics – Medipol University Hospital, Memorial Hospital Istanbul, Anadolu Medical Center.
The CyberKnife system includes a device for the delivery of radio emission – a linear accelerator, which is located on the arm of the robot. The flexibility of the robot arm allows directing the radiation at the tumor in any part of the body.
The robot carries out the treatment of tumors of any localization with a choice of program in accordance with the individual characteristics of each patient. Thanks to the flexibility and mobility of the robot, it is also possible to treat patients who were previously considered inoperable due to the diverse reasons. CyberKnife ensures maximum safety for the patient’s health during and after treatment, the ability to avoid most of the typical complications and side effects of surgical treatment and conventional radiation therapy.
The treatment procedure excludes any surgical intervention and is completely painless. This is especially important for patients with inoperable tumors. Undergoing treatment with the CyberKnife system, patients note minimal side effects. In addition, in most cases, patients can return to normal daily life immediately after completion of therapy.
Best place for treatment abroad
Now you know more about prostate cancer, and you can easily decide whether you need surgery or not. In order to facilitate the process, you may contact Booking Health and find out more about prostate cancer treatment in Turkey and other leading world countries.
On the company’s website, you can find cancer treatment costs and choose suitable hospitals for prostate cancer treatment. With the help of Booking Health, hundreds of thousands of prostate cancer patients have successfully undergone treatment in Turkey and are now enjoying life without discomfort.
