Prostate cancer holds the first place among oncological diseases in men. The prostate produces a fluid that helps thin the sperm and supports sperm motility, which is a necessary condition for fertilization. Prostate cancer is a cancerous process that develops in the prostate. Symptoms of prostate cancer are often not apparent in the early stages, as it usually progresses asymptomatically. It was once believed that prostate cancer was a disease of older men, but recent statistical data indicate a sharp increase in the number of men aged 40-50 diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer still presents a significant challenge for both the healthcare system in Georgia and worldwide, due to its high incidence and mortality rates. How can we recognize the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In the early stages, prostate cancer does not present any symptoms and progresses without noticeable signs. As such, detection is only possible through complex examinations. However, it should be noted that the early symptoms of prostate cancer are not much different from those of a typical benign prostate condition, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients may experience frequent urination, nocturia (nighttime urination), painful urination, weak urine stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination, etc. Additionally, certain risk factors are known in medicine:
- The likelihood of developing the disease increases with age.
- Genetic predisposition: The risk of developing prostate cancer is much higher in men whose relatives have had prostate cancer.
Despite these risk factors and the above-mentioned symptoms, as noted, prostate cancer does not show symptoms in its early stages, and its detection requires complex investigations. Traditionally, the screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer required extensive time and financial resources from patients, and due to its specificity, was associated with various forms of discomfort. Most importantly, early-stage intervention and treatment were often overly aggressive, whether it was through surgical open methods, laparoscopic surgery, or robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery—all of these treatments involved the complete removal of the prostate.
Today, thanks to advancements in modern medicine, early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer have become much more reliable, accurate, comfortable, cost-effective, and comprehensive!
There are now diagnostic tools available that can detect prostate cancer even in its early, asymptomatic stage with 100% accuracy. These include:
Microecoscopy – Prostate examination with ExactVu high-resolution micro-ultrasound. This cutting-edge technology provides 300% enhanced visualization of suspicious areas in the prostate.
Targeted biopsy with microecoscopic control – One of the most advanced types of biopsy, which avoids blind and unnecessary biopsies. It is performed using the ExactVu microecoscopy device – a fast and painless procedure that guarantees the most accurate diagnosis!
“Fusion” biopsy with simultaneous control of MRI and microecoscopy – The combination of microecoscopy and MRI data provides the highest level of visualization and clarity. Accurate targeting is performed on suspicious areas, allowing real-time biopsy production, and cancer is detected 100% of the time.
Of course, determining the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level remains one of the most important tools for prostate cancer screening and early diagnosis. However, the most recent recommendations from the European Urology Association have altered the threshold for normal PSA levels. Now, with microecoscopy and targeted “Fusion” biopsies, a PSA level is considered normal if it does not exceed 2 ng/mL (previously, a PSA range of 0 to 4 ng/mL was considered normal). Therefore, a PSA level within this range is considered normal, and there is no suspicion of prostate cancer. However, it should be noted that if the PSA level exceeds 2 ng/mL, it does not automatically indicate the need for a prostate biopsy. Targeted or “Fusion” biopsy is performed in the following cases:
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If the PSA level is above 2 ng/mL and suspicious areas are detected in the prostate via microecoscopic examination.
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If the PSA level exceeds 4 ng/mL.
And most importantly, a revolutionary new approach in the early-stage treatment of prostate cancer – Focal One RUTH, a robotic ultrasound therapy. This method destroys the tumor without radiation exposure or surgical intervention, in just a few hours, preserving healthy tissue and the prostate. As a result, the quality of life is preserved, including normal sexual and urinary function, as the prostate is maintained. This is an innovative benefit not found in any other prostate cancer treatment method, and it is especially important for the patient. Even in the case of radiation therapy, which is also not a surgical method, prostate cancer treatment often involves castration.
Given that prostate cancer symptoms are almost undetectable in the early stages, and the age of affected men has significantly decreased, modern medicine now has both the most precise methods for early diagnosis and effective, non-invasive treatments such as Focal One RUTH. As a result, prostate cancer screening has gained significant importance. In the case of early detection, the goal is not only to prolong the patient’s life but also to achieve full recovery, without any surgical risks or issues like sexual dysfunction or urinary incontinence.
