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Yearly Exams Key to Finding, Treating and Curing Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer, which is a form of adenocarcinoma, is the most common solid organ cancer in men. Each year, 200,000 men are diagnosed.
“Prostate cancer is interesting because it’s very curable when it’s found localized,” said urologist J. Matthew Hassan, M.D. “Since symptoms only present when the cancer has spread, the only way to find a curable prostate cancer is to be screened for it.”
As a urologist, Hassan specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate and kidney cancers, as well as general urology conditions and disease management. His position allows him to provide care for men from diagnosis, through treatment and recovery.
“I enjoy having continuity of care with my patients,” said Dr. Hassan. “When a patient first presents with a problem, I’m able to diagnose, then manage and treat the patient.”
Prostate cancer does not present symptoms on its own, making it only curable when found before it has spread to other parts of the body. Yearly screenings, including a PSA blood test and a rectal exam, are reliable tools to catch prostate cancer in the early stages.
“The risk of developing prostate cancer is doubled for men with a direct family member, like a father, son or brother, who has had the disease,” said Dr. Hassan. “For those higher risk patients, we recommend yearly screening as early as age 40, but all men should be checked yearly beginning at age 50.”
Treatment options vary following a diagnosis. With advancements in aggressive screening protocols, early-stage prostate cancer can be closely monitored without intervention for several years. Once treatment is needed, a urologist might recommend surgical removal, radiation or a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
“HIFU is very customizable, meaning we are able to only treat the part of the prostate where the cancer is located, leaving the healthy area intact,” said Hassan. “This prevents complications like urinary incontinence or erectile issues.”
An additional surgical option is a robotic proctectomy, a procedure utilizing smaller incisions for more precise reconstruction. The robotic procedure, available at Williamson Medical Center, allows for quicker recovery and significantly less blood loss than traditional surgery.
“It can be a challenge to encourage men to take care of their own health and routinely have these exams,” said Hassan. “Each year, the world is a little more enlightened about the importance of men’s health.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Hassan, call (615) 771-3024. To learn more about minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedures, visit www.WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org/robotics.
Share this ArticleTags: Annual Screening, Dr. Matthew Hassan, Exams, Men's Health, Prostate Cancer, Robotic surgery
