Dr. Roberto Garcia
Dr. Mario Guardia
Dr. Humberto Juarez
Dr. Lizeyca Seixas Pryce
Dr. Everardo Gutierrez
Dr. Stanley Wu
Dr. Héctor Tapia
Lidia Luna
Dr. Armando De Gracia
Dr. Eliecer Chérigo
Dr. Lorelay Carcamo
Catherine Fouchard
Dr. Joel Bernal
Dr. Johanna Morris
María Alejandra Bartoli
Palliative Care
Breast biopsy
Prostate Biopsy
Thyroid biopsy
Skin biopsy
Lymph node biopsy
Colposcopy
Echocardiogram
Chemotherapy
Colonoscopy
Genetic Testing
Immunotherapy
Colon Cancer
HPV vaccines
Prostate Cancer
It is the most frequent type of cancer in men between middle and old age. As men age, the prostate enlarges its size which increases the percentage of cancer incidence with the passing of time. Find in Panama Cancer Clinic the most effective medical solutions for your case.
Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
We are characterized by having a multidisciplinary team that is responsible for supporting the patient from the moment he/she enters the clinic and initiates the steps of detection and diagnosis, until he/she goes through the hard cycles of treatment, surgery and recovery, both physical and emotional.
Prostate cancer is the cancer with the highest incidence and mortality among men in Latin America; however, it does not always have fatal outcomes. 1 in 5 cases end up causing the patient's death, so identifying the signs of prostate cancer in time can make a difference.
If prostate cancer is detected early, the chances of cure can be increased by 90%.
Treatment
At Panama Cancer Clinic you will have a plan of action with the best treatment for prostate cancer, whether it is surgery, radiotherapy or targeted therapies.
Integral Wellness
Maintaining a positive attitude and receiving emotional support can improve response to treatment and facilitate recovery.
The Specialist
The Uro-oncologist specializes in prostate cancer and is in charge of determining the most appropriate treatment according to the stage of the disease.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-shaped structure located below the bladder in men. Its main function is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.
It is one of the most common cancers in men, and its behavior can vary significantly. In many cases, it grows slowly and remains localized in the prostate without posing an immediate risk. However, there are more aggressive types, which can quickly spread to other organs if not detected and treated in time.
Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is key to increasing the chances of successful treatment. When detected in its early stages, before it spreads, treatment options are more effective and can offer better results in terms of control and recovery.
Types of prostate cancer
The great majority of prostate cancers come from the family of adenocarcinomas, this type of cancer evolves mainly from the glandular cells in charge of producing prostatic fluid. However, there are other types that, although they are very invasive, rarely appear, among them:
Sarcomas.
Transitional cell carcinomas.
Small cell prostatic carcinoma.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is very common among men. It affects one in seven. Most are discovered in time thanks to screening.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can go unnoticed in the early stages, making regular checkups even more important. This becomes more important as men age.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test helps detect cancer early. But it can also show high results for other causes. PSA testing and digital rectal examination are key to a correct diagnosis.
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. It is more common in men over 50 years of age. It also increases if there is a family history of prostate or breast cancer. Therefore, it is vital to have regular check-ups for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Signs of prostate cancer
In the early stages, the signs of prostate cancer often go unnoticed or are mistaken for benign conditions. But as the disease progresses, clearer symptoms begin to appear, such as difficulty urinating or blood in the urine. In fact, it is estimated that about 34% of men are diagnosed when they already have visible manifestations.
Changes in urinary frequency
One of the first signs is urinating more often, especially at night. This occurs because the tumor presses on the urethra. Also, a slow urinary flow may indicate a problem.
Difficulty initiating urination
Men with cancer may have difficulty emptying their bladder. This is because the tumor blocks the urethra. In some cases, urine flow may be weak or interrupted.
Pain during urination
As the cancer progresses, you may feel pain or burning during urination. This is due to irritation of the urethra and bladder. It is crucial to know that these symptoms can also be from other conditions, such as BPH or urinary tract infections.
Blood in urine or semen
Blood in urine or semen is a worrisome symptom. If you see it, you should go to the doctor without delay. Although it is not always cancer, it should not be ignored.
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue are signs of advanced cancer. The body fights the cancer, which causes weight loss and fatigue.
If you notice changes like these, seek immediate medical attention. Prostate cancer and its symptoms are manageable if caught early, so be aware of your body and consult your doctor with any concerns.
An early diagnosis not only improves the prognosis, it also opens the door to more therapeutic alternatives. When it comes to prostate cancer, symptoms and treatment vary from case to case, but acting early makes all the difference. The 5-year survival rate for localized diagnoses exceeds 98%.
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Prostate cancer treatments
The symptoms and treatment of prostate cancer depend largely on how the disease behaves. Some cases grow slowly and remain localized, while others progress more rapidly and require a more aggressive approach.
Therefore, once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the next step is to define the therapeutic strategy. This decision depends on multiple factors: the type of cancer, its aggressiveness, the patient's general condition and whether the disease has spread. Based on these elements, the physician will propose the most appropriate treatment and clearly explain its benefits and possible effects.
Active surveillance:
When prostate cancer has just begun, it probably does not merit immediate treatment, but it should not be neglected either, constant monitoring with blood tests, labs or biopsies is essential to follow up on the cancer's activity.
Surgery:
Radical prostatectomy is the procedure where the prostate is removed, part of the surrounding tissue and for "more security" some lymph nodes. The surgery can be performed in two ways, by laparoscopy through small incisions or by retropubic (open) operation.
Radiotherapy:
This treatment uses high-powered x-ray radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Hormone therapy:
This method seeks to stop the production of testosterone so that the cells cannot feed on this hormone, and by not having this vital supply the malignant cells will die or reduce their growth.
Chemotherapy:
Medications focused on eliminating the advanced growth cells, this can be administered by pills, intravenously or both options together.
Alternative treatments:
Treatment for prostate cancer is not unique; it varies according to the type of cancer, its aggressiveness and the patient's general condition. In all cases, the goal is to tailor therapies - such as immunotherapy, targeted drugs or ablative techniques - to achieve the best possible results.
Complications
Both prostate cancer and the treatments administered for its cure can leave unavoidable sequelae in the patient, among the most common are:
Urinary incontinence:
This discomfort can be resolved by your physician with additional treatments.
Erectile dysfunction:
Although hormonal or radiation treatments can be counterproductive to male virility, there are many other methods that can be successfully implemented for erectile dysfunction.
Metastasis:
If measures to stop the cancer are not taken in time, the patient runs the risk that it may spread to nearby organs, to the lymphatic system or probably even to the bones.
Receiving a positive diagnosis of prostate cancer can have a strong emotional impact. It is normal to feel fear or uncertainty at first, but staying informed helps you regain control. Being aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer and understanding how the disease progresses allows you to make better decisions. It is important to gather real information during doctor visits and to talk openly with your oncologist.
