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Prostate Cancer

A beautiful woman wears a head wrap and gazes into the distance

Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers affecting men. Many men worry that treatments will cause problems with their bladder, bowels or sex life.

At Trinity Health Michigan, your peace of mind is important to us. You can take comfort in knowing we balance effective cancer care with preserving your quality of life. Our prostate cancer experts deliver exceptional services that reflect your individual needs.

Prostate Cancer Care at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?

If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, our team carefully evaluates your situation and considers your long-term well-being before making recommendations. Your care may include watchful waiting to check for changes that require treatments such as surgery.

And if you do need prostate cancer treatment, we offer sophisticated surgical options that preserve healthy nerves and tissue. Our approach helps more men continue living their daily lives, including working, having hobbies and maintaining intimate relationships.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Accurate diagnosis: We may use a needle to collect a tissue sample (biopsy) to confirm or rule out cancer. We use MRI and ultrasound imaging to guide the needle to the location of the suspicious tissue. Doctors specializing in prostate conditions evaluate the tissue under a microscope, so you receive effective care right from the start.
     
  • Coordinated care: At Trinity Health Michigan, prostate cancer treatment is a team effort. Our team includes urologists who specialize in prostate cancer and are up to date on the latest treatments. For complex cases, we work alongside other experts, including radiation oncologists and medical oncologists, to meticulously plan your care.
     
  • Organ-sparing treatments: Treatments such as radiation therapy can disrupt nearby organs, including your rectum. We use SpaceOAR® Hydrogel to temporarily push the rectum away from the prostate. You can receive a full dose of radiation while preserving your ability to have a bowel movement. Learn more about radiation therapy.
     
  • Nurse navigators: You receive one-on-one support from one of our nurse navigators. These specialists help make your cancer care journey a little easier. Whether it’s setting up an appointment or answering your questions, we take extra steps to provide a good care experience.

Prostate Cancer Treatments

We offer a broad range of prostate cancer treatments, including:

  • Surgery (prostatectomy): We remove part or all of the prostate. Most patients have a minimally invasive prostatectomy, meaning we remove cancer through small incisions. Robotic surgical technology enables surgeons to operate with a high degree of precision.
     
  • Radiation therapy: This treatment uses powerful energy to destroy cancer cells. You have access to many options, allowing us to tailor your care. We may implant tiny seeds of radiation near the treatment area or use external beam therapy.
     
  • Chemotherapy: We use cancer-fighting drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. Our team includes doctors (medical oncologists) who customize treatments to your unique needs. Get more information about chemotherapy and medical oncology.
     
  • Clinical trials: For complex cases and cancer that does not respond to standard treatments, clinical trials offer additional care options. Our active participation in cancer research gives you access to new treatment options. Find out more about cancer research and clinical trials.

Monitoring for Elevated PSA Levels and Early-Stage Prostate Cancer

Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms. For many men, the first sign is an abnormally high rate of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). But elevated PSA levels could be a symptom of other medical problems or a natural part of aging. We help you avoid unnecessary tests and treatments with an individualized evaluation and regular monitoring.

Our experts perform a physical exam and discuss your health history. We consider all possible causes for the elevated PSA, including injuries and infections. If we need more information, we may use blood or urine tests instead of a biopsy. You receive personalized recommendations that may include ongoing monitoring to see whether PSA levels change over time.

We also recommend monitoring if you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis that shows the cancer is small and not likely to grow. Your care may include imaging tests and exams to check for changes.

Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients and Survivors

We want you to focus on feeling better, which is why we help address problems related to your care. If you are struggling with medical bills, our cancer financial navigators are here for you. We help you find insurance coverage and financial resources that help make cancer care affordable.