Prostate cancer specialists in East Texas
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, we are at the forefront of prostate cancer care. Our expert prostate cancer specialists provide exceptional genitourinary (GU) cancer treatments, including advanced prostate cancer surgery. We offer personalized GU cancer support, ensuring that each patient receives exceptional care tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re in need of routine screenings or comprehensive treatments, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, combining expertise and compassion to improve outcomes and enhance your quality of life.
Prostate cancer symptoms
Prostate cancer risk increases significantly with age, particularly for men over 65. Genetic factors also play a role; men with close relatives who have had the disease are twice as likely to develop it themselves. In addition, African American men face the highest rates of prostate cancer in the U.S. Diet also impacts your risk of developing prostate cancer; men who consume too much red meat and dairy and too little fruits and vegetables are also at risk.
Prostate cancer often does not show symptoms in its early stages, but as the disease progresses, symptoms can become more evident. Prostate cancer symptoms may include:
- Blood in urine or semen
- Difficulty starting urination or weak urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Painful ejaculation
- Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
- Trouble urinating or pain during urination
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you are at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, talk to your primary care doctor about scheduling a prostate cancer screening.
Prostate cancer screenings
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it begins when the cells in the prostate gland begin to grow out of control. In many cases, prostate cancer can be detected early with routine exams. When detected early, patients have nearly 100% survival rate.
It’s recommended that men begin screening between ages 40 and 50, depending on risk level. If you’re at an increased risk of prostate cancer, you may need to begin screening at an earlier age.
Screening is performed with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for tumors. Your provider may perform a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If the DRE and PSA are positive, your urologist may perform an ultrasound or recommend a prostate biopsy to confirm diagnosis.
Scheduling regular cancer screenings is an important part of staying ahead of your health. In many cases, prostate cancer can be detected early with routine exams. When detected early, patients have nearly a 100% survival rate. Call us to schedule a prostate cancer screening today.
Our prostate cancer treatments
The UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center provides comprehensive genitourinary cancer treatments. Our team of specialists will evaluate your diagnosis and determine a treatment plan that works best for your individual needs.
Your treatment plan may include any combination of the following:
- Chemotherapy: Cancer-fighting medication circulates in the bloodstream, killing cancer cells. This treatment may be recommended if cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. Learn more about chemotherapy.
- Hormone therapy: This medication blocks hormone production, or changes the way your hormones work. Hormone therapy may involve removing organs that secrete hormones.
- Laser surgery: This minimally-invasive treatment option removes the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.Laser surgery is completed at our offices, and offers patients quicker recovery times. Typically, patients do not need to stay at the hospital overnight.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high energy particles or waves to treat cancer cells. Learn more about radiation therapy.
Please call 903-592-6152 to learn more about our prostate cancer treatments.
