Prostate Cancer: Early Detection and Treatment Options
The Importance of Early Detection
Prostate cancer affects one in 120 men in Malaysia, particularly those above the age of 50. Despite being the third most-common cancer in the country, there is a lack of awareness among men. Consultant urologist, endourologist, and robotic surgeon Dr. Christopher Lee Kheng Siang emphasizes the importance of early detection, as 60% of patients in Malaysia are diagnosed at late stages.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
Prostate cancer is largely asymptomatic, or symptoms may be confused with those of benign prostate enlargement. Dr. Lee explains that it can be detected via a tumour marker called prostate-specific antigen, which can be included in regular medical checkups. Prostate cancer can be treated early through surgery, radiotherapy, or focal therapy, although the latter is not yet widely available in Malaysia.
Surgical Options
Different options are available for different stages of the disease, depending on the patient’s condition. Surgery options include open surgery, which involves a large incision in the abdomen, or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, which involves multiple small incisions. Additionally, there is robotic-assisted surgery, a more advanced form of laparoscopic surgery.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery utilizes robotic arms that are fully controlled by the surgeon to achieve more precise and finer surgical movements. It is especially important for the reconstruction of the urethra to the bladder after the prostate removal. Dr. Lee notes that this method is less painful and involves less blood loss compared with conventional surgeries. Those in recovery undergo a shorter average hospital stay of three days compared to five.
The Role of Technology
Dr. Lee emphasizes that many patients assume robotic-assisted surgery is performed solely by artificial intelligence, which often causes fear. In actuality, the robot is a precision tool controlled by the surgeon, with human expertise guiding every step of the procedure. There are technological advancements in robotic instruments with higher versatility, allowing greater flexibility in movement. Improvements in camera resolution offer high-definition and three-dimensional views of the surgical anatomy during surgery.
Recent Advancements
Recent advancements involve 5G connectivity to the device, which enables telesurgery. However, while telesurgery has been successfully tested and implemented in other developed countries, it has yet to be tested here in Malaysia.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer patients should talk to their doctor about treatments available for their condition, seek insights from support groups, and read official medical websites to gain a clearer understanding of surgical methods. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, and advancements in technology are helping patients recover more quickly and comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is prostate cancer?
A: Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men.
Q: What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
A: Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, but symptoms may include difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, frequent urination, and pain or discomfort in the back, hips, or chest.
Q: How is prostate cancer treated?
A: Prostate cancer can be treated through surgery, radiotherapy, or focal therapy, depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s condition.
Q: What is robotic-assisted surgery?
A: Robotic-assisted surgery is a type of laparoscopic surgery that uses robotic arms controlled by the surgeon to achieve more precise and finer surgical movements.