Expert Care for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, developing in the prostate — a small, walnut-shaped gland that sits below the bladder and produces seminal fluid. At AIROC Hospitals, our multidisciplinary oncology team specializes in the early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment of prostate cancer, using advanced technology and evidence-based protocols to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Prostate cancer often grows slowly and may remain confined to the prostate gland for years, causing few or no symptoms in its early stages. Some forms, however, can be more aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. This is why regular screening and awareness of risk factors are essential for men, especially those over the age of 50.

At AIROC Hospitals, we combine expert urologic oncology care with compassionate, patient-centered support — guiding every individual through diagnosis, treatment planning, and recovery with clarity and confidence.

Types

Prostate cancer is classified based on how the cancer cells appear under a microscope and how they behave. The main types include:

• Adenocarcinoma – The most common type of prostate cancer, arising from the gland cells that produce prostate fluid. Nearly all prostate cancers fall into this category.
• Small Cell Carcinoma – A rare, aggressive form that develops from small, round cells and tends to grow and spread quickly.
• Transitional Cell (Urothelial) Carcinoma – Begins in the cells lining the urethra and can spread into the prostate; often linked to bladder cancer.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – A rare and fast-growing type that develops from flat cells covering the prostate.
• Sarcoma – An extremely rare cancer that originates in the muscle or connective tissue of the prostate.

Doctors also classify prostate cancer by risk group (low, intermediate, or high risk) and stage, based on tumor size, Gleason score, and whether the cancer has spread — factors that guide the treatment approach at AIROC Hospitals.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, signs may include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Erectile dysfunction
• Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area
• Unexplained bone pain (in advanced stages, when cancer has spread)

Since many of these symptoms overlap with non-cancerous conditions such as an enlarged prostate (BPH), proper medical evaluation at AIROC Hospitals is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, but it develops when prostate cells undergo genetic changes that cause abnormal, uncontrolled growth. Several factors are known to increase risk:

• Age – Risk increases significantly after age 50.
• Family History – Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk.
• Genetic Mutations – Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome-related genes.
• Race and Ethnicity – Higher incidence observed in certain populations.
• Diet and Lifestyle – Diets high in red meat and dairy, combined with low physical activity, may contribute to risk.
• Obesity – Linked to more aggressive forms of the disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

At AIROC Hospitals, our specialists use a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to accurately diagnose prostate cancer:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test – Measures PSA levels, which may be elevated in prostate cancer.
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) – Allows the physician to check the prostate for abnormalities.
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) – Provides imaging of the prostate gland.
• Multiparametric MRI – Offers detailed imaging to identify suspicious areas.
• Prostate Biopsy – Confirms diagnosis by examining tissue samples under a microscope; also determines the Gleason score, which indicates cancer aggressiveness.
• Genomic Testing – Helps assess risk and guide personalized treatment decisions.
• Staging Scans (CT, Bone Scan, PSMA PET) – Used to check if cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

Treatment

Treatment plans at AIROC Hospitals are tailored to the cancer's stage, grade, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Options include:

• Active Surveillance – Regular monitoring for slow-growing, low-risk cancers without immediate treatment.
• Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy) – Surgical removal of the prostate gland, often performed using minimally invasive robotic-assisted techniques for faster recovery.
• Radiation Therapy – Includes external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (internal radiation) to destroy cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) – Reduces testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.
• Chemotherapy – Used for advanced or hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy – Newer treatments that target specific genetic changes or boost the immune system's response to cancer.
• Cryotherapy and Focal Therapy – Minimally invasive options for select patients.

Our multidisciplinary tumor board at AIROC Hospitals ensures every patient receives a coordinated care plan involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and supportive care specialists.

Prevention and Risk Factors

While prostate cancer cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices may help lower risk and support overall prostate health:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet – Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats; limit red and processed meats.
• Stay Physically Active – Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports hormonal balance.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight – Obesity is linked to more aggressive prostate cancer.
• Avoid Tobacco Use – Smoking is associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption – Moderation supports overall health.
• Know Your Family History – Men with a family history should discuss earlier and more frequent screening with their doctor.
• Regular Screening – PSA testing and DRE, especially for men over 50 or those at higher risk, allow early detection when treatment is most effective.

At AIROC Hospitals, we encourage men to prioritize routine screenings and open conversations with their healthcare provider — early detection remains the most powerful tool in successfully managing prostate cancer.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider at AIROC Hospitals for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.