TULSA-PRO: Minimally Invasive Prostate Cancer Treatment in India

Prostate Health

Prostate health awareness and knowledge are crucial for overall well-being, which is why a reliable prostate health guide is essential. Understanding prostate health helps in preventing future complications, as even minor issues can lead to significant problems. The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the upper part of the urethra that carries urine out of the body. As a result, any condition affecting the prostate can impact both urinary function and sexual health.

What Causes Prostate Problems? – A Prostate Health Care Guide

The prostate is prone to 3 main conditions -

Prostatitis - Infection and Inflammation of the Prostate

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Prostate gland enlargement happens as a result of the Age factor

Prostate Cancer - Cancerous cells that affect the prostate gland may break out of the gland and affect nearby tissues, lymph nodes and then spread to other parts of the body.

As outlined in a men’s prostate health guide, bacterial infection is the primary cause of acute prostatitis, while the exact cause of chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain often remains unclear and may go undiagnosed. In some cases, the immune system may mistakenly attack the prostate, triggering inflammation, or bacterial and fungal infections may go undetected by standard diagnostic tests. Certain foods, along with stress, depression, chronic pain, trauma to the genitourinary region, and repeated biopsies, can worsen symptoms.

Age is the main risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Additional risk factors linked to prostatitis include a sedentary lifestyle, excess body weight, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Diets high in sugar, red meat, and refined grains may further contribute to prostate health issues. Certain organs are also more prone to specific cancers, with prostate cancer commonly spreading to the bones.

Unfortunately, Prostate Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed male cancer in the 21st Century and the leading cause of male cancer death.

Prostate cancer symptoms are associated with erectile dysfunction, blood in the semen, pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs, urinary problems or enlargement of the prostate. Enlargement of the prostate can lead to obstruction with reduced flow, bleeding, infections, urinary irritation and other disorders arising in other parts of the Urinary system.

Hence, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for maintaining prostate health, which is why a complete prostate health guide plays an important role in awareness and early detection. With increased awareness programs, early diagnosis is now more achievable, allowing men to access advanced, safe, and effective treatment options. As a result, many men have been successfully treated for prostate cancer and continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Some of the latest technologies used for Prostate Cancer Treatment are -

High Frequency Focused Ultrasound
Cryotherapy
Radiotherapy

High-frequency focused ultrasound- As explained in a prostate health care guide, high-frequency focused ultrasound is a minimally invasive technique that uses high-energy sound waves to treat the prostate. This MRI-controlled and robotically driven, radiation-free approach has been studied since the 1940s and began clinical use for prostate cancer treatment in the mid-1990s. For safety reasons, this technique is primarily suited for patients with organ-confined disease and those classified as low-risk.

Cryotherapy - This treatment technique, similar to HIFU, uses imaging to target and destroy cancerous tissue without relying on radiation. During the procedure, doctors insert needles into the prostate, which are then cooled with liquid nitrogen. After a specific period, the needles are allowed to thaw, causing cellular damage. This process is closely monitored with an ultrasound probe, while a urinary catheter filled with warm saline helps shield the urethra from thermal harm.

Radiotherapy - Prostate cancer is often treated with two main types of radiotherapy: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Brachytherapy.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This approach involves targeting the prostate with high-energy radiation from outside the body. The patient typically lies on a treatment table, while a machine called a linear accelerator directs precise radiation beams at the prostate. EBRT is commonly used when the cancer is localized within the prostate or has spread to nearby tissues. It can serve as an initial treatment, a follow-up after surgery, or as a palliative option to relieve symptoms.
Brachytherapy: In brachytherapy, small radioactive seeds are placed directly into or near the prostate tumor. These seeds slowly release radiation, specifically targeting the cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.