Prostate Cancer Urologist Or Oncologist

Treatments For Prostate Cancer

Dr. Sharp Urologic Oncologist – Prostate Cancer

If you have prostate cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for prostate cancer, your healthcare team will consider:

the type and stage of the cancer
the grade or Gleason score
prostate-specific antigen levels
your overall health and any existing medical conditions
your age and life expectancy
whether you have symptoms

Prostate cancer treatments can seriously affect your quality of life and cause side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence . Many prostate cancers grow slowly and cause no symptoms or problems.

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What To Ask A Urologic Oncologist

A cancer diagnosis is often stressful and confusing, so its a good idea to ask your care team specific questions about treatment options and your overall prognosis. Here are some questions to consider asking a urologic oncologist:

What type or subtype of cancer do I have?
Has my cancer spread?
What stage is my cancer?
Are my kids likely to get this type of cancer?
Which treatment option do you think would be best for my specific situation?
Which treatment side effects are possible?
Will this affect my fertility?
How long will treatment last?
Will I be able to keep working and handling family responsibilities during treatment?
What are the survival statistics for this type of cancer?
What symptoms are normal with this condition and the treatment?
Should I eat anything specific or avoid any activities?
How will treatment affect my sex life?

Choosing Your Healthcare Team

It is likely that throughout the prostate cancer journey you will work with several medical specialists for treatment. Keep in mind that you have a choice in who manages your care. This is about finding the right treatment team for you to work with to make the right decisions for you. Make sure to find a team you are comfortable with and trust.

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Genetic Counseling For Prostate Cancer

While doctors dont know exactly what causes prostate cancer, certain factors are linked to increased risk. About 5 to 10% of prostate cancers are hereditary, meaning genes that run in your family can lead to cancer.

Genetic counseling can help you find out if your genes raise your risk of prostate cancer and make informed decisions about your health. If you have prostate cancer, genetic tests may change or influence your treatment plan.

Urologic Surgeons Oncologists And Radiologists

Prostate and other urologic cancers are complex diseases that require several different kinds of treatment. A coordinated team approach yields a higher rate of treatment success with fewer adverse consequences for patients. The Prostate and Urologic Cancer Program includes a complete team of specialists in cancer surgery, medical therapy and radiation therapy all of whom focus specifically on urologic malignancies.

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A Comparison Between The Rates Of Radiation Oncologist And Urologist Consultations In Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer In Northern Ontario Canada

Health Sciences North Research Institute , Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, CanadaICES North Satellite Site, Health Sciences North Research Institute , Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, CanadaSchool of Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, CanadaNorthern Ontario School of Medicine , Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
Northern Ontario School of Medicine , Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, CanadaRadiation Oncology, Northeast Cancer Centre , Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, Canada
Andrew G. PearceCorrespondenceCorresponding Author: Dr. Andrew Pearce, Northeast Cancer Centre, Health Sciences North, 41 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 5J1Northern Ontario School of Medicine , Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, CanadaRadiation Oncology, Northeast Cancer Centre , Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, Canada

What Questions Should I Ask My Oncologist

When you learn you have prostate cancer, there are certain questions to ask your oncologist so youll better understand your illness and what to expect. We recommend that you write the following questions in your cancer notebook so youll make sure to ask them.

What is the clinical stage of my cancer?
What is my cancers Gleason score?
Do you know if my cancer has spread beyond my prostate?
Do I need any additional tests before you decided how my cancer will be treated?
How long will cancer treatment last?
How can I prepare for treatment?
What side effects should I expect during prostate cancer treatment?
Will I experience incontinence or impotence?
Should I change my diet or exercise habits while Im going through prostate cancer treatment?
Should I call my primary care doctor or my oncologist if I have medical issues that dont seem to be related to my cancer?

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What Kind Of Training Does A Urologic Oncologist Have

Urologic oncologists have up to two years of additional training in this subspecialty on top of their prior medical and urology training. This means that a urologic oncologist must graduate from medical school and then spend five to six years in a residency program, learning skills related to the specialty of urology as a whole. After residency, a urologist may further subspecialize in urologic oncology through a fellowship. Urologic oncology fellowships take up to two years and provide a rigorous education in all things related to cancers that develop in the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.

Should I Get A Second Opinion

Urologic Oncologist Jared Whitson, MD, on treating prostate cancer | Kaiser Permanente

It is only natural that you want to be absolutely certain that you have prostate cancer before beginning treatment. Its understandable that you may want to get a second opinion to make sure. There is no harm in doing that, and it will help you feel confident about your diagnosis. Our medical providers at Maryland Oncology Hematology regularly provide second opinions for patients diagnosed with prostate and other cancers. Contact your insurance company and ask if it will cover a second opinion. Then, choose our location that is most convenient to you before contacting us to schedule an appointment.

Dealing With A Diagnosis

When your doctor suspects you may have prostate cancer, they will order more tests, which may include:

A repeat test of the level of PSA in your blood
A digital rectal exam, or DRE
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan
A complete and thorough health history, including, if needed, additional routine tests to assess your overall health

The results of these tests allow the doctor to confirm your cancer and assess its grade and stage. The grade and stage of your cancer help your doctor develop a recommended treatment plan.

Learn more about cancer stages and grades.

When Treatment Is Needed A Team Approach Is Best

According to a recent study, about half of men on active surveillance will receive treatment within five years. For men who have more aggressive cancers, some may require curative treatment.

When an aggressive cancer is confined to the prostate, several treatment options may be considered, including surgery and radiation. Each of these approaches has various risks and benefits, which is why we have a long, extensive conversation with patients to understand each mans treatment goals and which of these different options makes the most sense for him, Anderson says.

At Columbia, doctors take a team-based approach to prostate cancer care. Patients often have a team of specialistssurgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and radiation oncologiststhat work together to identify treatment options best suited for each patient given the cancers characteristics and the patients treatment goals.

For patients with more aggressive cancers or cancers that have spread, new medications, including next-generation hormonal therapies, are available and have improved outcomes compared to older medications.

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What Does A Urologist Do

Urologists are the go-to doctors to handle a spectrum of potential problems in the urinary tract or the male reproductive system.

Some patients may regularly see a urologist to check on chronic issues such as an enlarged prostate, which is common in older men. Others may be referred to a urologist by another health professional because of symptoms or concerns that require the attention of a specialist.

Potential reasons to visit a urologist include:

Painful urination
Frequent urge to urinate or an overactive bladder
Prostatitis or an enlarged prostate
Low testosterone or other hormonal issues in men

Depending on the symptoms or condition, a urologist uses specialized tests to determine the cause and treat it using lifestyle changes, medicines, surgery or other procedures.

Whats The Difference Between A Urologic Oncologist And A Urologist

Urologic Surgical Oncologist Ahmed Eldefrawy, M.D., joins Miami Cancer ...

A urologic oncologist is also a urologist, but a urologist isnt necessarily a urologic oncologist. This is because a urologic oncologist must go through all the training to become a urologist, along with an additional fellowship in oncology. Urologists without this additional experience have many years of training under their belt and are equipped to handle problems in the urinary tract and male reproductive system, but those with extra oncology training have more expertise in the cancer area.

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Types Of Urologic Cancers We Treat

The WVU Cancer Institute has a comprehensive team that brings together board-certified surgeons, urology specialists, medical oncologists, and other medical professionals with expertise in urologic cancer. The team designs a treatment plan customized to your specific type of cancer and your needs.

Our team brings expertise to diagnosing and treating these cancers.

Are There Support Resources For My Loved Ones Or Me

We hope you will turn to the Virginia Oncology Associates team of prostate cancer doctors as your primary resource for assistance during this challenging time. Our team of cancer specialists includes doctors, nurses, financial experts, and social support. They are experienced in helping patients work through the impact of cancer on you and your familys daily lives. Explore our list of community resources or learn about our cancer support group, which many patients find invaluable during the cancer treatment process and even after treatment is complete.

Genetic testing is also available through Virginia Oncology Associates to identify those at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer due to inherited gene mutations, many of which occur in families with specific medical histories. While testing can be beneficial in understanding your and your family’s risk, not everyone is an ideal candidate.

Cancer Support And Survivorship Programs

Cancer care can be overwhelming for you and your family. Thats why we offer many resources to help you stay well during and after treatment, including:

Individual and group counselingto help you keep a positive outlook.
Nurse navigatorswho can help you with everything from understanding your diagnosis to arranging transportation.
Integrative oncology servicesthat promote wellness through services like acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga and more.
Nutritional supportfrom registered dietitians who can help you find foods that keep your body strong during treatment and recovery.
Survivorship servicesthat help you thrive long-term by addressing the issues you face after successful cancer treatment.

Urologic Cancer Treatments At Providence St Joseph Orange

Urologic Oncologist Kirsten Greene, MD

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. The drugs can be administered orally, through intravenous lines, or in other ways. Chemotherapy can be used alone as a cancer treatment, or along with other treatments like radiation therapy and surgery. Each drug in a chemotherapy regimen is carefully selected to target the specific type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Surgery is an important treatment method for many types of cancers. It involves removing cancerous cells and tumors from the affected area. Some surgeries are minimally invasive, like removing cancerous cells from the surface of the skin. Others may involve an operation to remove cancer cells from organs or elsewhere inside the body. Modern surgical methods can involve minimal incisions and less recovery time than previous methods. Surgery can be part of your overall treatment plan for many kinds of cancers.

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What Should I Expect During A Visit To The Urologist

As with other doctors, a visit to the urologist typically starts with questions about medical history and current symptoms. A physical exam is also common because it allows the urologist to feel around the bladder or other bothersome areas.

Depending on the reason for the visit, a urologist may recommend one or more of the following tests:

Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging scan may also be used by the urologist to see inside the organs and tissues of the urinary tract. These scans are generally painless. They use different methods to produce images of the inside of the body and find and help diagnose problems such as cancer, kidney stones, blood clots, prostate enlargement and more.

Oncologist Vs Urologist Treatment Decision

Study findings presented at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting reveal oncologists and urologists reasons for underutilization of treatment intensification for patients with metastatic castrationsensitive prostate cancer.

Based on level 1 evidence of overall survival, ASCO/NCCN/AUA guidelines uniformly recommend novel hormonal therapy or chemotherapy added to androgen deprivation therapy as standard of care in , wrote Stephen Freeland, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and colleagues.

However, real-world evidence across US health care systems suggests most patients receive ADT first generation non-steroidal antiandrogens, they added.

Data from medical charts of at multiple US academic and community practices were used to examine the reasons behind the lack of treatment intensification among patients with metastatic castrationsensitive prostate cancer. Data from patients initiating treatment from July 2018 to November 2021 were included. Researchers surveyed the oncologists and urologists treating these patients in order to describe reasoning behind treatment decisions, including prostate specific antigen goals.

For PSA goals, physicians more frequently reported a relative reduction vs an absolute PSA reduction . Oncologists considered a median PSA reduction of 50% adequate vs 75% with urologists.

This article was originally posted on journalofclinicalpathways.com.

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Types Of Prostate Cancer

AdenocarcinomaAlmost all cases of prostate cancer begin in the gland cells that make the prostate fluid. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma. Other kinds of cancer can also start in the prostate. This includes small cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. But these types of cancer are rare. Most men with prostate cancer have adenocarcinoma.

Other types of growth that may affect the prostate include:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia As a man ages, the prostate can grow larger. BPH is a common condition. While not prostate cancer, it can cause the prostate to press on the urethra. Pressure on the urethra causes urination issues and can be treated.

Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia This abnormal non-cancerous prostate growth may be found with a prostate biopsy. PIN can be low-grade or high-grade. Low-grade PIN is more common as men grow older. Men who have high-grade PIN have a chance that cancer is somewhere else in the prostate.

Questions To Ask About Having Therapy Using Medication

What type of treatment do you recommend?
What is the goal of this treatment?
How will this treatment be given?
How long will it take to give this treatment?
Will I receive this treatment at a hospital or clinic? Or will I take it at home?
What side effects can I expect during treatment?
Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?
What are the possible long-term effects of having this treatment?
What can be done to relieve the side effects?

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What Is A Urologic Oncologist

Every year, more than 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with prostate, bladder, kidney, or other urologic cancers. Many of them have a urologic oncologist on their cancer treatment teams. Urologic oncologists are doctors who specialize in cancers of the male and female urinary systems and the male reproductive organs.

These doctors are different from urologists, who deal with all diseases of the male and female urinary tracts. And theyâre not quite like oncologists, who treat all forms of cancer. Urologic oncologists get specialized training that requires 2 years of specialized education. That includes 1 year of clinical work and 1 year of urologic oncology research.

This training is on top of 4 years of medical school and a 5-year urology residency. It gives urologic oncologists the expertise to develop treatment plans to fight cancer using traditional tools like chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Urologic oncologists are also trained in the latest surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.

The extra training improves patient outcomes. Research shows that people whose cancer care teams included a surgical oncologist and a urological oncologist had shorter hospital stays. They also spent less time in the intensive care unit and had higher 90-day survival rates than those who had care from a single surgeon.

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Meet The Prostate Care Team

Prostate cancer used to be solely the domain of the urologist, a doctor who specializes in the urinary tract system and treats conditions such as bladder and prostate cancer. In the past, prostate cancer was almost always treated with surgery to remove the diseased prostate, a procedure called prostatectomy. Today, the urologist remains integral in a patients prostate cancer care. They help patients determine if screening is the right thing to do, make the diagnosis of cancer, and help walk patients through options for treatment. The urologist helps the patient access other specialists in cancer care, which may include a medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. In some parts of the United States, especially in areas that are far from major medical centers, the local urologist may still be the only expert available to treat prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer therapy may include one treatment or a combination of surgery, radiation, drugs, and regular monitoring.