For prostate screenings call: (718)-370-1400
For prostate cancer treatment call: (718)-818-3000
Prostate Cancer Treatment in Staten Island, NY
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer found in men. And while it is often treated successfully, it is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the U.S. Awareness of prostate cancer symptoms is an important element of caring for men’s health. Experienced physicians in the urology and oncology departments at Richmond University Medical Center are available for prostate examination and testing. Our compassionate, knowledgeable medical staff access the most up-to-date technologies and research when providing prostate cancer diagnoses and treatments.
Know the Symptoms and Risk Factors
There are often no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. Family history is a risk factor, as are being over 50 years old, an African American or Caribbean man, and residing in North America. However, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. Part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is a small gland located directly below the bladder. The hormone testosterone plays a significant role in the function of the prostate. And it is the site of semen production and its movement into the urethra during sex.
The close relationship between the prostate and the urethra results in prostate cancer symptoms showing up within the urinary system. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, often at night
- Difficulty in starting and continuing the flow of urine
- Immediate urges to urinate
- Pain when urinating, ejaculating, or the presence of blood
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Unable to empty the bladder completely
- Lower back, pelvis, or side pain that persists
- Development of erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain
- Weight loss that is unexplained
- Fatigue
Some of these symptoms may be related to an enlarged prostate or other conditions. Don’t wait to consult with a qualified medical practitioner about prostate cancer symptoms. Patients who experience any of these symptoms should schedule an examination with either their primary care physician or the Urology Services Center at Richmond University Medical Center.
Diagnostic Tests
There are two most commonly used screening tests for prostate cancer. In a digital rectal exam, the physician manually feels for any lumps or unusual structures with a gloved finger inserted into the rectum. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can also indicate the possibility of prostate cancer. When a primary care physician refers patients to our services at Richmond University Medical Center, our experienced medical practitioners may recommend several other more advanced tests.
Imaging technologies available in our Radiology Department include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This helps physicians to view soft tissue in the area of the prostate.
- CT scan and ultrasound: Additional views help medical practitioners identify and characterize tumors.
- Nuclear medicine: These include bone scans and PET scans. Contrast fluid helps show the extent of growing cancer cells or tumors.
Other diagnostic methods available include:
- Laboratory services: Blood and tissue samples are analyzed for signals that cancer may be present.
- Biopsy: In some cases, a tissue sample must be taken to verify the presence of prostate cancer.
Through regular screening tests and follow-up examinations, it may be possible to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. When there is a diagnosis of prostate cancer, a variety of treatments are available at Richmond University Medical Center to help manage the condition.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly. So, when symptoms become noticeable, that may be the result of cancer cells growing or tumors developing. If a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are a variety of prostate cancer treatments that may be recommended. There are several considerations that the multidisciplinary medical team will consider, such as the prostate cancer stage, overall health of the patient, age, medical history, and the size of the tumor or area of cancer cell growth.
The Radiation Oncology Department at Richmond University Medical Center provides several methods for treating prostate cancer, including the following:
Radiation Therapy
High-energy X-rays are channeled through a linear accelerator (LINAC) to target the DNA of the tumor cells. This is an effective way to damage or destroy cancer cells. The delivery of the radiation is targeted to protect more of the surrounding tissue. The machine can move into an optimal position for treatment of prostate cancer.
Brachytherapy
This treatment places radioactive material directly into or in the tissue that surrounds the tumor. The high-dose-rate brachytherapy at Richmond University Medical Center is also used to remove cancer cells after surgical removal of tumors and other areas of cancer cell growth.
Systemic Radiation Treatments
This may be given as a medication by mouth or intravenously. The radiation travels through the bloodstream and targets the tissues containing the cancer cells or growths.
The oncology and surgery departments at Richmond University Medical Center provide prostate cancer treatments that include:
- Observation and surveillance, especially for older patients
- Surgery to remove the prostate gland or other areas of cancer growth
- Chemotherapy medicines that are taken by mouth, injection, IV, or as a topical cream to kill cancer cells and inhibit their growth
- Hormone therapy to help prevent hormones from encouraging the growth of cancer cells
- Targeted therapy, utilizing drugs and other medicines, to specifically target cancer cells
- Immunotherapy to improve the ability of the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer
Our experienced physicians and medical practitioners work together to create an individualized treatment plan that best fits the specific prostate cancer diagnosis. We work with the patient and their loved ones to develop a treatment plan and appropriate support services.
Counseling and Support
Many patients experience depression, anxiety, and stress when undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. These emotions and reactions can extend beyond treatment into the recovery period. Often the family and loved ones of the patient are also affected. It’s important to consider these reactions when developing a treatment plan for prostate cancer because the emotional well-being of the patient and their loved ones contributes to healing. Prostate cancer patients often need counseling and support.
Referrals to our family care and support program can be made by members of our oncology staff, primary care physicians, and surgeons. Self-referrals by patients and their family members are also accepted. We offer up to three family conferences with a family consultant. These conferences help families identify problems, make plans regarding treatment regimes, and clarify situations and feelings. Our staff follows up and refers to family therapy when indicated. The patient and family consultant team is in constant contact with the oncology staff at Richmond University Medical Center. This model of open communication between providers creates the best possible atmosphere for our patients and their loved ones.
The coordinator for the family care and support program can schedule appointments with either our family therapists or social workers. Spanish-speaking consultants are also available. If you would like to contact the coordinator directly, please call 718-317-0745 or 718-818-5302.
Get the Treatment You Deserve
At Richmond University Medical Center we are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art prostate cancer treatment to the members of our Staten Island community. We provide services that screen for prostate cancer and publicize the risk factors for this disease. Through these educational promotions, our patients can recognize the signs of prostate cancer. In this way, we are working toward identifying prostate cancer symptoms early to have more treatment options. We believe that information and knowledge empower our patients and help them participate more effectively in their own care. Our goal is to provide easy access to the latest advancements in prostate cancer care. We welcome referrals from primary care physicians and colleagues, as well as self-referrals by patients.
Find the Right Care for Prostate Cancer on Staten Island, NY
The mission of Richmond University Medical Center is to treat our patients and their loved ones like family. This compassionate attitude is visible in every department and staff member at our medical center. As vibrant, caring members of the Staten Island community, we strive to provide excellent healthcare to everyone who walks through our doors. We are advocates for our patients, wanting to help them approach their medical care with confidence. To that end, we offer personal connections and encouragement.
If you want to be screened for prostate cancer, please make an appointment with one of our experienced urologists. And if your primary care physician suspects that you have prostate cancer, please don’t wait to consult with us. For more information about managing prostate cancer at Richmond University Medical Center, contact the Center for Cancer Care at 718-818-3000.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Prostate Cancer Symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer or other urologic conditions, schedule an appointment with caring, experienced professionals at Richmond University Medical Center. We are located at 1000 South Ave on Staten Island, NY. Contact us today.
