Prostate Cancer - Columbia Urology

Urologic Cancers - Prostate Cancer

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About Prostate Cancer

The prostate, a walnut-sized gland located at the base of the bladder, is the most common site of cancer in men aside from the skin. About 220,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer-related deaths in men, and is responsible for about 27,000 deaths yearly – about the same as the number of women who die from breast cancer.

Prostate cancer may be common, but each man's experience of the disease is unique. Prostate cancer often grows slowly, but some aggressive prostate cancers can proliferate rapidly and spread beyond the prostate, thereby becoming life-threatening. Prostate cancer is usually diagnosed in men over age 50, but it can arise in those as young as 30. Men with prostate cancer are confronted with what some may find a bewildering set of treatment choices. Along with its benefits, each approach has different and potentially significant risks of urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

At Columbia Urology, we are experienced at assessing the risks and determining a prognosis for each man's prostate cancer. We tailor a treatment program for each individual based on several factors: the stage of his disease, his age and life expectancy, his feelings about quality-of-life measures, and which therapy promises the best chance of a cure. We make sure every patient thoroughly understands his disease and the potential benefits and side effects of his treatment options. We help each man choose the avenue of treatment best suited to him and his preferences. In fact, we view this as a family decision and when appropriate, we prefer that a man's spouse or significant other be present for the discussion of treatment options.

Prostate Cancer Surgery

Men with typical and aggressive prostate cancer who seek care at Columbia Urology will find doctors who are internationally recognized experts in their respective fields. We offer expertise in the full spectrum of state-of-the-art surgical approaches including nerve sparing prostatectomy and nerve transplant surgery, minimally invasive techniques such as robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and cryosurgical treatment. Columbia Urology is one of a few select centers in the country – and the first in New York City – to use the High Definition da Vinci S Surgical System to perform minimally invasive robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer. Please visit of robotic surgery link to learn more about this world-class program. We also work closely with Columbia University Medical Center oncologists and radiation oncologists to assure that patients who are not eligible for surgery, who require a combination of therapies, or who opt for a different approach receive optimal care.

Prostate Cancer Research

Doctors at Columbia Urology also serve on the faculty at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the National Cancer Institute designated Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center where they design and conduct research on the vanguard of prostate cancer treatment. This research includes clinical trials on a range of novel and promising treatments for typical and aggressive prostate cancer. Columbia Urology doctors often conduct research collaboratively with other departments as well as with other cancer centers throughout the country. Our comprehensive and integrated research program is designed to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and efficacy of prostate cancer treatment.

Multi-Disciplinary Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Columbia Urology is an integral part of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's top six hospitals, according to the most recent U.S. News and World Report survey. This means that patients treated here for prostate cancer also have access to the best doctors in every medical specialty, no matter what medical issues exist or arise during their prostate cancer care. It is important to remember that you are not just a prostate cancer patient, your body is a complex system and you should be under the treatment of national and international experts for all aspects of your medical needs.

Patients across the U.S. and worldwide seek the skills and technology offered in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy by Columbia Urology doctors. That's because we provide individualized, expert care that gives each patient the maximum chance of both a cure for his disease and the best quality of life.