Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

Even though, more than 2 million men in the United States have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life, many do not die from the disease thanks to effective treatment options.

Prostate cancer commonly occurs in men over age 50. Symptoms include frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine, sexual dysfunction, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, and pain in the pelvis, hips, back, or ribs. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer doubles if there is a family history. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of two or more of these approaches.  A less invaseive therapy know as “cryoablation” is now available at ELIH. 

What is cryoablation?

Cryoablation of the prostate, also called cryotherapy, is a relatively new prostate cancer treatment involving controlled freezing of the prostate gland to destroy cancerous cells. 

“Cryoablation is a great alternative to a course of radiation,” reports Scott Press, M.D.  “It’s a one-time outpatient procedure with a short recuperation period, performed here at Eastern Long Island Hospital’s Ambulatory Surgery Pavilion.  Fully approved by the FDA, cryoablation results are equivalent to those of radiation therapy.”

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia with an ultrasound probe.  The prostate is imaged and measured.  Probes are placed through the perineum at predetermined sites within the prostate.  Freezing is started and monitored continuously, both visually through the transrectal ultrasound and by computer.  Two freezing cycles are usually done.

 
Cryotherapy uses ultra-thin needles to produce ice balls of extreme sub-zero temperatures. The doctor uses ultrasound to accurately guide insertion of the needles, precisely control the size and shape of the ice balls and monitor the freezing.

What is the post-operative care?
Patients are discharged with a urinary catheter, typically removed in a week or less.  Most patients resume normal activity in under two weeks.

A PSA test is usually performed three months following cryoablation, and repeated every three months.  As with all treatments for prostate cancer, close patient follow-up is critical to detect and treat potential cancer recurrence.

Am I a candidate for cryoablation treatment?
Patients with organ-confined prostate cancer (stage T1 – T3) and with cancer recurrence after radiation therapy are suitable candidates for cryoablation.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Press, call (631) 727-4171.

About PSA Screening
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland.  The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood.  Because PSA is produced by the body and can be used to detect disease, it is sometimes called a biological marker or tumor marker.

Since PSA level’s  alone do not give physicians enough information to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer,  PSA cancer screening’s recommendations vary. 

A PSA cancer  screening is generally recommended in men between the ages of 40 and 75, and in men with an increased risk of prostate cancer. 

Dr. Press recommends consultation with your physician to make the best decision about screening based on your individual medical situation. 

Dr. Press also recommends discussing your PSA levels with your physician to determine when to take the screening process to the next step of biopsy.

Notes Dr. Press, “always schedule an annual physical exam in addition to  PSA testing.”