Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the male population. In Brazil, every year, around 50,000 to 60,000 men are diagnosed with the disease. Heredity is one of the main risk factors for the disease.

A first-degree relative with the disease doubles your chance. Two family members with the disease increase this chance by five times. For those who have cases in the family, it is recommended to seek a urologist after 45 years of age.

Prostate surgeries can be performed in several ways, including robotic surgery. The procedure is performed with the aid of a robot that allows the surgeon to have an enlarged and three-dimensional view. The incision performed on the patient is also smaller when compared to conventional surgery, subsequently providing more quality of life for the patient.

Early diagnosis, size and classification of the tumor are directly related to the effectiveness of therapy.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

  • Overweight/Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Dieta rica em gorduras
  • Smoking
  • Family background

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

PSA and digital rectal examination are the main tests for investigation of prostate cancer.

When these tests show any changes, the doctor may request a biopsy to confirm or not the diagnosis.

The recommendation is that, from the age of 50, men take the exams annually. If there are cases in the family or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about the best time to start the investigation.

Does prostate cancer only affect the elderly?

Prostate cancer is more common with increasing age, however, men of all ages should be aware of personal risk factors and talk to their doctors for tests to allow early detection of the disease.

What is a radical prostatectomy? When is it indicated?

This procedure is performed only in cases of prostate cancer. It can be done via the laparoscopic retropubic abdominal approach (open–traditional) or with the aid of a robot, which is nothing more than the extension of the surgeon's hands that is operating through it. Regardless of how it is done, the procedure aims to completely remove the prostate, seminal vesicles and part of the vas deferens

Traditional surgery is done through an incision in the lower abdomen (below the navel) and the prostate is removed, leaving behind the pubic bone (retro pubic).

This surgery can also be performed laparoscopically guided by a robot, using 5 small abdominal incisions, through which a video camera and laparoscopic robotic arms will be placed, which will be controlled by the surgeon.