Information

Dr. Mirchov, according to studies, prostate cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. How prevalent is it among Bulgarian men?

The statistics in Bulgaria follow the global trend. Every second or third man over the age of 50 is at risk of developing prostate cancer. The disease is age-related, and controlling it is linked to prevention, because early diagnosis of prostate cancer is easier and more successful than treatment at a later stage.

The prostate gland has its own "indicator" of its condition, and that is the so-called prostate-specific antigen, or PSA. The levels of this tumor marker "register" changes in the gland - whether there is inflammation, benign hyperplasia, cancer, or something else. The test is a blood test, and the results are discussed with the urologist. Diagnosis includes ultrasound and digital rectal examination. If one of these methods raises suspicion of prostate cancer, this should then be confirmed or ruled out through a biopsy.

Anyone over 50 can take the time for this screening once a year. If the patient's father has had prostate cancer, then it is recommended that testing and examination begin at age 40. Detected early, prostate cancer is treatable. This means early, accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive, modern treatment.

What symptoms does prostate cancer have, and when should a patient see a urologist?

Typically, the most common reason for visiting a urologist is disrupted urination. However, when we talk about prostate cancer, the carcinoma most often begins its development in the peripheral zone of the gland, that is, relatively to the side of the urinary tract, and does not disrupt urination. Early and relatively non-advanced (moderately advanced) prostate carcinoma does not present with symptoms. Early diagnosis is the foundation of correct, modern treatment.

Do patients with prostate cancer have a choice of treatment methods?

Yes, there are various methods. The goal of prostate cancer treatment is for the patient to be healthy, live a long life, and, not least, preserve their quality of life. The patient should remain socially engaged, useful to their family, and retain their self-esteem as a man.

Treatment can be carried out in several ways. The first is radical surgery, which may involve laparoscopic or open surgery. This is used in patients without serious accompanying conditions. Another method of radical treatment is high-dose brachytherapy (a type of radiation therapy). Brachytherapy is suitable for patients who, for one reason or another, are not candidates for radical surgery.

Non-radical treatment involves percutaneous radiation therapy (for more advanced carcinomas) and is often combined with the third method - anti-androgen therapy (hormone therapy). The choice of appropriate treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's health status. The most important thing is preserving the patient's quality of life. At VITA Hospital, we offer all modern methods for addressing this problem, including laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

What options are available when a diagnosis of prostate adenoma has been made?

In the early stages of the disease, conservative treatment methods can be applied. When it comes to surgical methods, let's note the use of laser. The laser has high power and enables precise tissue destruction. This results in a lack of blood loss and rapid recovery of the patient. Laser surgery, as a method, allows the surgeon to quickly and effectively remove prostate tissue with a practical absence of life-threatening complications during the operation. As a high-tech method, the laser also makes it possible for patients with accompanying conditions to undergo surgery and achieve a good quality of life.

What are the advantages of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy over the classic open operation?

The main advantage of the laparoscopic technique over the open one is that the surgical trauma to the patient is significantly smaller. Blood loss is minimal or none. Every less invasive operation helps preserve the patient's immunity. Patients who undergo laparoscopic prostatectomy most often experience no pain, recover quickly, and, importantly, do so independently, without assistance from staff. This preserves their self-esteem as patients and as people, they feel independent, and the professional satisfaction from our efforts lies in the patient's quick recovery and light postoperative care.