Understanding Prostate Health: Warning Signs and Treatment

As bodies age, certain changes can occur, and it's important to recognize when these changes might indicate potential issues. The prostate, a small gland in men, undergoes natural growth as they get older, often leading to various health concerns.

Dr. James Michael Orsini, Jr., an oncologist and hematologist at Hackensack Meridian Health's Mountainside Medical Center, sheds light on six warning signs of prostate issues and explains the common problems associated with this vital gland:

Warning Signs of Prostate Issues

Dr. Orsini advises men to consult their doctors if they experience any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty emptying the bladder
Increased frequency of urination
Burning or fullness sensation
Problems with ejaculation
Blood in urine
Change in urine stream, such as a weak stream or one that starts and stops

Common Prostate Problems

While these warning signs do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, they should not be ignored. Dr. Orsini explains two other potential prostate problems:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, commonly found in older men. Treatments for BPH can range from medications to surgical procedures, including minimally invasive water vapor techniques.
Prostatitis: Inflammation and swelling of the prostate, often caused by bacterial infection. Although not always curable, prostatitis can be managed with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among American men, particularly those aged 50 and older with a family history of the disease. African American, Hispanic, and Native American men face higher risks. Dr. Orsini emphasizes the importance of knowing one's family history and considering genetic testing to determine appropriate screening timelines.

Treatment Options

Early detection is crucial in managing prostate cancer effectively. For low-risk tumors, active surveillance might be recommended, while more aggressive forms require targeted treatments. Dr. Orsini highlights various treatment options, including radiation therapy, surgery (with robotic techniques gaining prominence), chemotherapy, hormonal oncolytics, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and bone targeting therapies.

Mountainside Medical Center uses innovative tools to detect and treat prostate cancer. In July 2022, Mountainside became one of the first hospitals in New Jersey to offer prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET imaging, which allows doctors to localize prostate cancer cells.

This technology became even more useful in November 2022 when Mountainside was approved to use Pluvicto, a targeted radioligand therapy treatment for PSMA+ mCRPC (metastatic prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive, castration-resistant prostate cancer). This therapy delivers radiation to specifically targeted cancer cells, with minimal effect on healthy cells.

“In conjunction, these tools significantly improve survival for patients who have already been treated with other anticancer treatments,” Dr. Orsini says.