Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the tissue of the prostate. Only present in men, this walnut-shaped gland produces fluid that influences the nourishment and transportation of sperm.
Prostate cancer treatment in Florida
Experienced, abundant support is needed when you are diagnosed with prostate cancer. You can expect this level of care from our team.
We understand that when it comes to a cancer diagnosis, you want expert doctors creating your treatment plan. That is why at HCA Florida Physicians — a network of physician practices across the state — we provide access to oncologists who specialize in effectively treating prostate cancer.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Preventive care for prostate cancer
When it comes to beating cancer, our doctors know that preventive medicine is the best medicine. Because of this, our doctors encourage screening tests based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to detect prostate cancer in men who are 50 years old and older. Prostate cancer screening options include:
- Digital rectal exam
- Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
- Transrectal ultrasound
Prostate cancer risk factors
According to the CDC, the following may put you at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer:
- Being an African American male
- Being 55 years old or older
- Having a family history of prostate cancer being diagnosed at a young age
- Having a family history of prostate cancer, especially in a father or brother
- Eating a high-fat diet
Prostate cancer signs and symptoms
Unfortunately, patients with prostate cancer may not show any signs until the disease has progressed. Because of this, it is important to discuss any small changes you notice with your doctor, especially if you experience:
- Blood in the seminal fluid
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination or feeling the urge to urinate frequently at night
- Loss of bladder control
- New onset of erectile dysfunction
- Pain or burning during urination
- Painful ejaculation
Treatments for prostate cancer
Our doctors partner with you when it comes to your treatment plan. They want to ensure we offer options that can lead to the best possible outcome, while also ensuring those options work for both you and your family. Depending on your medical history, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following therapies:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery for prostate cancer
Surgery for prostate cancer
If the tumor is operable, your doctor may recommend a surgery to treat prostate cancer — referred to as a prostatectomy.
There are two types of prostatectomy:
- Partial prostatectomy — A procedure where the surgeon removes a part of the prostate
- Total prostatectomy — A procedure where the surgeon removes the entire prostate
Our prostate cancer specialists
Because prostate cancer may produce symptoms that can resemble low-risk urinary conditions, one of our urologists may be your first line of defense. Urologists can provide screenings and testing to diagnose a variety of urologic conditions.
Once a diagnosis has been made, you will likely be referred to one of our prostate cancer specialists. These specialists have extensive experience with prostate cancer and partner with the other cancer specialists and medical professionals in our network to provide comprehensive care.
Looking for another location?
Our Prostate cancer Locations