1. Prostate Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Medical Illustrations of the Prostate Image Collection
3. Screening Tests Every Man Needs Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Kevin C. Zorn, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Kevin C. Zorn, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Dr. Kevin Zorn is a dual-board-certified (US and Canada), minimally-invasive uro-oncology, fellowship trained urologist at the University of Chicago. His main focus of clinical and scientific interest is in the surgical treatment of renal and prostate cancer. He is also an expert in performing surgery with the DaVinci Surgical Robotic System to manage localized prostate cancer and small renal masses. Dr. Zorn studied medicine and urology at McGill University in Montréal.

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Coauthor:

Pierre-Alain Hueber, MD, PhD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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The prognosis in prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the degree of differentiation.

• Differentiation refers to how closely the cancer resembles normal tissue. This is assessed by calculating the Gleason score as mentioned earlier. The less differentiated the cancer, the poorer the prognosis.
• The stage refers to the extent of the cancer -- whether it is localized or has spread beyond the prostate. The greater the degree of cancer spread, the poorer the outlook.

5-year survival rates are very good for men with prostate cancer.

• According to the American Cancer Society, 92% of men with these cancers survive at least 5 years.
• Most prostate cancers are slow growing, as shown by the fact that 67% of men with prostate cancer survive at least 10 years.
• Sometimes, however, prostate cancers grow and spread rapidly. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential for a cure.

If a man is elderly and has other medical conditions, watchful waiting may be the most prudent course.

• Therapy may be more harmful than the cancer.
• This is especially true if a man's life expectancy is less than 10 years.
• Many times, elderly men with prostate cancer actually die of something else, such as heart disease, not the slow-growing prostate cancer.

A man and his family members should discuss this with his urologist.

Living with cancer presents many new challenges for a man and for his family and friends.

• A man will probably have many worries about how the cancer will affect him and his ability to live a normal life, that is, to care for his family and home, to hold his job, and to continue the friendships and activities he enjoys.
• Many people feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful; others feel helpless and defeated.

For most people with cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps.

• Friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how the man with cancer is coping. Don't wait for them to bring it up. If one wants to talk about their concerns, let them know.
• Some people don't want to burden their loved ones or prefer talking about their concerns with a more neutral professional. A social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful if a man wants to discuss his feelings and concerns about having cancer. A urologist or oncologist should be able to recommend someone.
• Many people with cancer are profoundly helped by talking to other people who have cancer. Sharing one's concerns with others who have been through the same thing can be remarkably reassuring. Support groups of people with cancer may be available through the medical center where one receives treatment. The American Cancer Society also has information about support groups all over the U.S.

prostate cancer, prostatic adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma of the prostate, prostatic carcinoma, prostate-specific antigen, prostate specific antigen, PSA, prostatectomy, transrectal ultrasound, transurethral resection of the prostate, TRUS, TURP, digital rectal examination, DRE

Author: Kevin C. Zorn, MD, FRCSC, FACS
Coauthor: Pierre-Alain Hueber, PhD
Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Contributor: Roger Valdivieso O'Donova B.Sc., University of Montreal-Québec Canada.

Previous contributing authors and editors: Author: Hardik C Soni, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Martin Luther King Jr/Charles Drew Medical Center. Coauthor(s): Eugene Hardin, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science; Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Martin Luther King, Jr/Drew Medical Center. Editors: Scott H. Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Jerry Balentine, DO, Professor of Emergency Medicine, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine; Medical Director, Saint Barnabas Hospital.

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