Prostate cancer

Most men have no symptoms, and the cancer is detected when the man undergoes urological investigation after checking a PSA test. This blood test is taken during a health examination at a healthcare center or when the man requests it himself. Some regions in Sweden currently offer organized prostate cancer screening.

However, symptoms of advanced prostate cancer may include:

• Increasing bone pain
• Rapidly worsening, noticeable urinary problems
• Blood in the urine
• Anemia

The most common examinations to detect prostate cancer are:

• PSA test
• MRI scan
• Biopsy

Different stages of prostate cancer are typically identified. In the initial stage, the cancer grows only within the prostate gland. In later stages, it may extend beyond the prostate, spreading to lymph nodes and bones (metastasis). Occasional spread to other organs can occur but is rare except in the advanced stages of the disease.

Treatment of prostate cancer is always planned individually based on the characteristics of the disease. The choice of treatment depends on any other medical conditions, potential signs of high-risk prostate cancer, results of metastatic investigations, and, of course, the patient's own preferences.

Many men with low-risk cancer may not need immediate treatment. They are often monitored closely through active surveillance. To cure prostate cancer, surgery (radical prostatectomy) or radiation therapy can be performed. In more advanced cases, oncologic treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and hormone therapy are usually administered. The specific type of treatment needed is determined on an individual basis.

In cases of elevated PSA or abnormalities indicated by the Stockholm 3-test, or if a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the prostate reveals anomalies, it may be necessary to take tissue samples from the prostate, known as biopsies. This procedure can be performed either through the rectum or via the perineal skin. The latter technique is relatively new, with the advantage of not posing an increased risk of infection or sepsis during the sampling.

Tissue samples are taken under local anesthesia and typically take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the method and the number of samples needed. Before the biopsies, a prostate MRI is always conducted, and if anomalies are identified, a fusion technique is used to accurately target the specific areas of interest.

It is common to experience blood in the urine and semen after the procedure, but this is entirely harmless. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, it is important to inform the medical team in advance.

A more detailed description of what to consider during the sampling is sent to you before the visit or provided on-site.

Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate (TRUL) is performed to assess the size of the prostate, and the examination also provides information about its structure. It is a common procedure in urology clinics and is usually not painful.

After the doctor has palpated the prostate with a finger through the rectum, the ultrasound probe is inserted through the same route for the examination, which takes a few minutes.

CMedical has some of Europe's best surgeons for prostate cancer surgery.

When our doctors, in consultation with you, decide on a treatment plan, not only is the cancer itself taken into account but also your previous illnesses, age, and overall health condition.

In the national care programs for prostate cancer, there is information aimed at men with early-stage prostate cancer. You can obtain this information from your contact nurse.