Trusted Prostate Cancer Specialists in Alaska
At Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for prostate cancer, delivered with compassion and expertise. From initial evaluation to long-term monitoring, our Anchorage-based team is here to support patients through every step of their journey.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer begins in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which form in the gland cells that produce prostate fluid. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause serious harm, while others are more aggressive and can spread quickly to lymph nodes, bones, and other organs.
What Are Common Prostate Cancer Symptoms?
In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Pain or burning with urination or ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis (possible sign of spread)
These symptoms may also result from benign conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is not cancer but can cause similar urinary issues.
How Prostate Cancer Is Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with screening and continues with imaging and lab tests to confirm and stage the disease.
- 1PSA Blood Test: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures levels of PSA, a protein made by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels may indicate cancer but can also rise due to non-cancerous conditions like BPH or infection.
- 2Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): During a DRE, a doctor evaluates the rectum to feel the prostate for hard areas, lumps, or changes in size or shape.
- 3Prostate Biopsy: If PSA or DRE results raise concern, a biopsy is usually done. Using a thin needle, the doctor collects small samples of prostate tissue. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a microscope to confirm whether cancer cells are present.
- 4Gleason Score: Biopsy results include a Gleason score, which helps assess how aggressive the cancer is. This score ranges from 6 (low-grade) to 10 (high-grade), based on how much the cancer cells differ from normal prostate cells.
Imaging and Staging
If cancer is found, additional tests help determine whether it has spread (metastasized):
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
Used to evaluate the prostate and nearby tissues.
CT Scan:
Helps identify cancer in the lymph nodes or organs.
Bone Scan:
Checks for cancer spread to the bones, which is common in advanced prostate cancer.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Treatment is based on cancer stage, Gleason score, PSA level, overall health, and patient preferences. Not all prostate cancers need immediate treatment.
Active Surveillance
For low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer, regular monitoring may be recommended. This includes PSA tests, DREs, and occasional repeat biopsies or imaging. Treatment begins only if the cancer shows signs of progression.
Surgery
Radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate gland and nearby tissue. It may be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive robotic techniques. Surgery is common for healthy men with localized or high-risk cancer.
Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy – ADT)
Prostate cancer growth is often fueled by testosterone. Hormone therapy reduces or blocks testosterone to slow cancer growth.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
For certain advanced cases, especially those with genetic mutations or treatment-resistant disease, options may include:
- PARP inhibitors (for BRCA mutations)
- Immunotherapy (such as pembrolizumab in select cases)
These are prescribed based on genetic and molecular testing results.
Chemotherapy
Used primarily for advanced or hormone-resistant prostate cancer, chemotherapy can help slow progression and relieve symptoms.
Why Choose Alaska Oncology and Hematology for Prostate Cancer Care?
Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC is dedicated to offering caring, skilled prostate cancer treatment provided by a team of committed professionals.
Our Anchorage clinic provides:
Ready to Talk? We Are Here to Help!
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Your First Connection
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STEP 2.
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STEP 3.
Personalized Options
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