Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate Cancer Awareness

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and is a leading cause of death in men, second only to lung cancer. Staying informed with the latest news on prevention and screening is an important step in reducing your risk of developing prostate cancer. And, should a diagnosis occur, access to current, in-depth treatment information can help you find the best care.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month gives healthcare providers a platform from which to provide critical  information about prostate cancer.

In today’s post, we hope to help you:

  • Better understand the disease
  • Know the approaches to screening
  • See the available treatment options
Patients may become confused after receiving a  diagnosis due to the different types of prostate cancer.

Understanding The Disease

Types of prostate cancer range from low-grade to advanced, and call for different types of treatment plans. The type of prostate cancer is determined by where the cancer forms. The most common type is adenocarcinoma which starts in the gland cells of the prostate. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 95% of prostate cancers are determined to be this type.

Other types of prostate cancer include:

  • Small-cell carcinoma- develops in the cells
  • Squamous cell carcinoma - starts in flat cells that cover the prostate
  • Urothelial (transitional cell) - grows in the urethra or bladder

Screening For Prostate Cancer

Patients need to consider the approaches to screening and prevention that are available to them. The American Cancer Society talks about the PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) blood test and its many forms. Although this type of test can’t tell for sure if you have cancer, it can help to determine if you should have further exams, like a prostate biopsy. 

At Capitol Imaging Services we provide a prostate 3T MRI exam that utilizes a Computed Aided Detection (CAD) imaging tool that further identifies areas in and around the prostate gland that could be cancerous. This solution is very well suited for men who have a high PSA but had negative results to a prostate biopsy. CIS is the only provider in Louisiana and the Gulf South region that conducts this study.

Treatment Options

During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, many treatment options will be discussed across the board. Your physician will discuss with you which options are best for your particular diagnosis. Some of the prostate cancer treatment options that may be suggested are:
  • Surgery
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
Your primary care physician may refer you to a prostate cancer specialist like a Urologist, Radiation Oncologist, and/or a Medical Oncologist.
The Prostate 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is usually preferred by most patients due to its noninvasive technique. Because we utilize a pelvic coil to capture images, we eliminate the need to insert a device into the patient’s rectum.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

How Capitol Imaging Services Can Help

Capitol Imaging Services offers many imaging options for prostate cancer screening. The Prostate 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is usually preferred by most patients due to its noninvasive technique. Because we utilize a pelvic coil to capture images, we eliminate the need to insert a device into the patient’s rectum. The Prostate 3T MRI is designed to create a detailed high resolution cross-sectional image of the prostate gland. Our radiologists use these images to locate and identify any lesions that could be suspicious for prostate cancer then report back to your physician. 

We are the largest radiology practice of its type serving the southeastern United States. Not only do we perform scans such as an MRI or CT, but we also provide the radiology expertise to review test images and issue important findings to physicians and other healthcare providers. And in most cases, you will pay less out of pocket to have your images performed by us rather than a hospital. 

Contact Capitol Imaging Services today to learn more about prostate cancer screening and why we are doctor trusted and patient preferred.