Prostate cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells develop in the prostate gland. Early evaluation, accurate diagnosis and an individually planned treatment approach are important. Dr. Vineet Malhotra provides urological evaluation and guidance for men concerned about prostate cancer at VNA Hospital, Malviya Nagar, Delhi.
Assessment may involve PSA testing, clinical examination, prostate MRI and biopsy when indicated. Treatment decisions depend on the cancer's grade and stage, overall health, age and the patient's preferences.
The prostate is a small gland located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra and contributes fluid to semen. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate grow abnormally.
Some prostate cancers grow slowly, while others may be more aggressive and need prompt treatment. Not every raised PSA level means cancer, and not every prostate cancer requires immediate surgery. A specialist assessment helps determine the appropriate next step.
Important: Prostate cancer can sometimes cause no symptoms in its early stages. Discussing individual risk factors and whether testing is appropriate with a doctor is important.
Speak with a urologist if you have concerns such as:
These symptoms can have causes other than cancer and do not confirm a diagnosis.
Many early prostate cancers do not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may overlap with other prostate or urinary conditions.
Weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, interrupted flow or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
Needing to pass urine more often, including waking repeatedly at night to urinate.
Visible blood in urine should always be medically assessed, even if it occurs only once.
Blood-stained semen can have several causes and may need evaluation depending on the clinical history.
Persistent pain in the pelvis, lower back or hips needs assessment, particularly when unexplained.
Some advanced cases may be associated with bone pain, fatigue, weight loss or other general symptoms.
Risk varies from person to person. Having a risk factor does not mean that someone will develop prostate cancer.
The likelihood of prostate cancer increases as men get older. It is more commonly diagnosed in older adults.
A father, brother or other close relative with prostate cancer may increase an individual's risk.
Certain inherited gene changes, including BRCA-related changes, can be associated with increased risk.
Some inherited or personal health factors may influence risk and should be discussed during consultation.
Multiple relatives diagnosed with prostate or certain other cancers may be relevant to risk assessment.
A doctor can help decide whether PSA testing or further evaluation is appropriate based on age and risk.
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of clinical assessment, blood testing, imaging and tissue examination when indicated.
Measures prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA can be raised for several reasons, including benign prostate enlargement, inflammation and cancer.
A clinical examination that may help assess the prostate. It is considered alongside PSA and other findings.
Prostate MRI can help identify suspicious areas and guide decisions about whether a biopsy is needed.
Small tissue samples are collected when indicated. Histopathology helps confirm whether cancer is present.
Pathology findings help describe how abnormal the cancer cells look and provide information about tumour behaviour.
Additional imaging, such as CT, bone scan or PSMA PET/CT in selected cases, may help assess the extent of disease.
Remember: A PSA result alone cannot confirm prostate cancer. Biopsy and appropriate clinical assessment are used to establish the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
Staging describes how far the cancer has grown or spread. The stage, grade and PSA level help guide treatment discussions.
Cancer is confined to the prostate and may be small or detected during testing. Some low-risk cases may be suitable for active surveillance.
Cancer remains within the prostate but may have features indicating a greater risk of progression or recurrence.
Cancer may extend beyond the prostate or involve nearby structures. Treatment may require a combination approach.
Cancer may involve lymph nodes or distant organs such as bones. Treatment is planned according to disease extent and patient factors.
There is no single treatment suitable for every patient. The recommended approach depends on cancer stage, grade, PSA, general health and personal preferences.
For selected low-risk cancers, careful monitoring with scheduled PSA tests, examinations, MRI and repeat biopsy when appropriate may help avoid or delay treatment side effects.
Surgery to remove the prostate gland and, when indicated, nearby tissues. It may be considered for selected localised or locally advanced cases.
Uses targeted radiation to treat cancer cells. It may be used for localised disease or in combination with hormone therapy in selected cases.
Androgen deprivation therapy reduces or blocks the effects of male hormones that can help prostate cancer cells grow.
Medicines that treat cancer throughout the body may be recommended in selected advanced or metastatic cases.
Depending on cancer features and previous treatment, selected patients may be considered for newer medicines or other specialist-led therapies.
Multidisciplinary care: Some patients benefit from coordinated planning involving urology, uro-oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology specialists.
Radical prostatectomy is an operation in which the prostate gland is removed. Nearby lymph nodes may also be assessed or removed in selected patients, depending on the estimated risk and treatment plan.
The operation may be performed using an open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted approach, depending on the patient's condition, available expertise and treatment setting. The most appropriate method should be discussed with the treating team.
Surgical suitability and technique are determined after individual assessment. No particular surgical approach is appropriate for every patient.
This overview is for general understanding. The benefits and limitations of each option vary by individual diagnosis.
| Treatment | May be considered for | Important considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Active Surveillance | Selected low-risk localised prostate cancer | Requires regular monitoring and follow-up tests. |
| Radical Prostatectomy | Selected localised or locally advanced cases | Potential urinary and sexual side effects; recovery and PSA monitoring are required. |
| Radiation Therapy | Selected localised and locally advanced cases | May cause urinary, bowel or sexual side effects; sometimes combined with hormone therapy. |
| Hormone Therapy | Selected higher-risk, recurrent or advanced cases | Can cause hot flashes, fatigue, bone and metabolic effects, among other side effects. |
| Systemic Therapy | Selected advanced or metastatic cases | Choice depends on disease characteristics, previous treatment and overall health. |
A structured evaluation helps patients understand the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Discussion of urinary symptoms, family history, previous reports, medical conditions and individual concerns.
Review of PSA results and clinical findings. Further testing is recommended when appropriate.
MRI and prostate biopsy may be advised to investigate suspicious findings and establish a tissue diagnosis.
Pathology and relevant imaging help determine the cancer grade, stage and risk category.
Suitable options, expected outcomes, possible side effects and the need for specialist coordination are discussed.
Recovery depends on the treatment received, the patient's general health and whether additional treatment is required.
Regular PSA testing helps the treating team monitor response to treatment and identify possible recurrence.
Some patients may experience urinary leakage after surgery. Pelvic floor exercises and appropriate support may be recommended.
Erectile function may change after treatment. Discuss available rehabilitation and treatment options with your doctor.
Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco can support general health during recovery.
Keep scheduled appointments and share new symptoms, treatment side effects or concerns with your care team.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be stressful. Psychological support and family involvement may be helpful.
Dr. Vineet Malhotra is a urologist and uro-andrologist with 25+ years of experience, as stated in his professional profile. He is Director and Founder of SCM Clinic and VNA Hospital.
Patients concerned about prostate health can seek consultation for clinical assessment, review of PSA reports and discussion of appropriate diagnostic and treatment pathways.
Answers to common questions about prostate cancer symptoms, testing and treatment.
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. Some men may experience urinary changes, but these can also occur with benign prostate enlargement or other conditions. A medical assessment is needed to understand the cause.
No. PSA can be elevated due to several reasons, including benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection and prostate cancer. A doctor interprets the result alongside age, symptoms, examination and other tests.
Prostate cancer is generally confirmed through a prostate biopsy and histopathology when indicated. PSA testing and MRI can help assess risk and guide the diagnostic process.
Some localised prostate cancers can be treated with curative intent. The outlook depends on the cancer's grade, stage, PSA level, overall health and response to treatment. Individual prognosis should be discussed with the treating team.
There is no single best treatment for everyone. Options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or systemic treatment. The choice depends on individual risk and staging.
No. Selected low-risk cases may be monitored through active surveillance. Other patients may be advised radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of treatments depending on their diagnosis.
Radical prostatectomy is an operation to remove the prostate gland. Nearby lymph nodes may also be assessed or removed in selected cases. It is considered for suitable patients after evaluation and staging.
Yes. Prostate cancer itself and treatments such as surgery, radiation and hormone therapy may affect sexual function. The type and extent of changes vary, and treatment or rehabilitation options may be available.
It can, but urinary difficulty is also commonly associated with benign prostate enlargement, urinary infection and other conditions. Persistent urinary symptoms should be evaluated rather than assumed to be cancer.
Multiparametric MRI can help identify suspicious areas in the prostate, assess local disease and guide biopsy planning. It does not replace histopathological confirmation when a biopsy is indicated.
The Gleason grading system describes the appearance of prostate cancer cells under a microscope. It is commonly reported as a Grade Group and helps doctors assess the risk category and plan treatment.
Advanced prostate cancer can spread to bones and other parts of the body. Additional imaging may be recommended when the clinical findings suggest a risk of spread.
Hormone therapy reduces or blocks the effect of androgens, including testosterone, which can support the growth of many prostate cancer cells. It may be used alone or with other treatments in selected cases.
Most prostate cancers are not directly inherited, but family history and certain inherited gene changes can increase risk. Men with a strong family history should discuss their individual risk with a healthcare professional.
There is no single testing schedule for everyone. The decision to test and the interval depend on age, risk factors, previous PSA values and shared decision-making with a doctor.
You can book a consultation with Dr. Vineet Malhotra at VNA Hospital, 1, Navjeevan Vihar, Geetanjali Enclave, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110017.
If you have a raised PSA result, a family history of prostate cancer or concerns about prostate health, arrange a consultation to discuss appropriate evaluation and next steps.
Book an Appointment → Call +91 98100 85849For prostate health evaluation and urology consultation.
1, Navjeevan Vihar, Geetanjali Enclave,
Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi – 110017
Phone: +91 98100 85849
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Book Your ConsultationMedical Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Symptoms and PSA results alone cannot confirm prostate cancer. Diagnostic tests and treatment options must be selected by a qualified medical professional after individual assessment. Treatment availability and suitability may vary. In case of severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.