Advanced prostate cancer care in San Antonio

Methodist Healthcare was the first in the U.S. to use the new Prostate MRI Program that assists urologists in the early diagnosis, treatment and staging of prostate cancer. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and when your faced with a disease like prostate cancer, it’s important to have the most accurate and complete information about your disease possible.

To learn more about our prostate cancer care services, please call askSARAH at (210) 507-0941.

The Prostate MRI Program is a non-invasive and painless medical procedure that creates detailed images of the prostate. Our software automatically captures comprehensive clinical and diagnostic information that is important to the study. With improved sensitivity and specificity in targeting areas of concern, our specialists in urology care are able to biopsy suspicious regions in the prostate.

Prostate cancer diagnosis

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancer, in American men. It’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths behind lung cancer, with approximately one in six men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.

The current standard of cancer care includes a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which detects elevated PSA levels, indicating prostate cancer or benign conditions.

If a patient has elevated PSA levels and/or a suspicious lump, more tests may be required. Additional testing includes a transrectal ultrasound, which involves taking tissue samples from the prostate.

Prostate cancer symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer shows no symptoms. When prostate cancer does show signs or symptoms, they typically appear in the following ways:

  • Frequent urination
  • Weak or disrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder
  • Urge to frequently urinate
  • Blood in the urine
  • Blood in the semen
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Discomfort or pain while sitting, caused by an enlarged prostate

Prostate cancer treatment

Depending on each case, treatment options for men with prostate cancer might include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Cryotherapy (use of low temperatures during medical therapy)
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Vaccine treatments
  • Transurethral ultrasound ablation

Prostate cancer risk factors

A risk factor is anything that contributes to your chances of developing a disease, such as cancer. While some risk factors can be modified, others, like a person's age or family history, can't be changed. There are a variety of instances in which a man can be at risk for prostate cancer, including:

  • Race/ethnicity (African-American men are at highest risk.)
  • Age (Most cases are found in men 65 years old and older.)
  • Family history
  • Gene changes
  • Diet and lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to certain chemicals
  • Inflammation of the prostate
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Vasectomy (This is a minor surgery to make a man infertile.)

About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

Methodist Healthcare is part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare. Our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis, to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally-trusted care with the support of a globally-recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (210) 507-0941.