Colorado CyberKnife

The Basics of the Prostate Cancer Gleason Score

As with other types of cancer, prostate cancer occurs when DNA mutations cause the cells within prostate to grow at an abnormal, uncontrolled rate until they form a tumor. There are several different types of cells within the prostate, but most types of prostate cancer start in the gland cells in what is known as adenocarcinoma. Prostate cancer may be diagnosed using a number of methods, such as testing the amount of PSA or prostate-specific antigen in the blood, completing a digital rectal exam, and the use of a biopsy. In the event that cancer is found, it is “graded” to determine just how abnormal the cancer cells really are. This article will take a closer look at one of the methods used to “grade” prostate cancer.

Understanding Cancer Grading

Most cancer “grading” procedures are done after completing a biopsy of the prostate tissue. One the tissue has been retrieved, it is examined under a microscope to identify whether the cancer is aggressive or likely to metastasize, in which it spreads to other areas of the body outside of the prostate gland. This information is essential as it helps cancer care physicians determine which treatment method will best suit the patient’s needs.

The Gleason Score

The Gleason Score is the most common way that pathologists and physicians “grade” prostate cancer cells. Using this method, a pathologist will identify various types of cells within the biopsy sample, including cells that range from normal and non-aggressive cells to extremely aggressive abnormal cells. After determining which two types of cells are the most prevalent, the pathologist will give each type of cell a score ranging from one to five, with the higher numbers representing a more aggressive cell. The numerical representations for the two most common types of cells are then added together to create a single score.

With years of experience serving the Denver Metro and Rocky Mountain areas, Colorado CyberKnife VSI is ready to answer all of your questions regarding prostate cancer. Call (888) 592-8185 for more information about Denver prostate cancer robotic radiation.

Potential Cancer Symptoms Men Should Be Aware Of

Many forms of cancer do not exhibit symptoms until they have reached a more advanced stage. However, educating yourself on the symptoms of various cancers is a good way to determine when it is time to seek cancer care. Continue reading to learn more about the potential cancer symptoms that all men should be aware of.

Urinary Problems 

While many men experience urinary changes as they age, certain symptoms may be a sign of prostate or bladder cancer. This includes an increased need to urinate, feeling as if the bladder is not emptying completely, an inability to start the urine stream, or leakage when coughing or laughing. Weakening of the urine stream may also be a sign of prostate or bladder cancer.

Changes to the Testicles

Changes in the look or feel of the testicles should be assessed by a qualified cancer care provider to rule out the presence of testicular cancer. Signs to look out for include any swelling, feelings of heaviness in the scrotum, discoloration of the skin along the testicles, and the presence of lumps or masses.

Breast Mass

Breast cancer may affect men and women alike. Men who are showing symptoms such as dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple retraction, nipple discharge, or scaling of the nipple or breast skin should all consult with a physician right away.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained or rapid weight loss is a common symptom of cancer. Generally speaking, men who have lost more than 10 percent of their body weight within three to six months should undergo a professional evaluation. 

The best way to assess your risk for cancer is to consult with your cancer care physician. Located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Colorado CyberKnife VSI provides treatment for a number of cancers, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, and brain cancer. You can learn more about radiation treatment and your Denver CyberKnife surgery options by calling (888) 592-8185 today.

How Colorado CyberKnife VSI Helped Dr. Robert Thorn

It seems that prostate cancer is becoming increasingly common among men in the United States—many of whom cannot undergo traditional radiation or chemotherapy due to their age. This video takes a closer look at how CyberKnife helped Dr. Robert Thorn after his prostate cancer diagnosis.

At age 83, Dr. Thorn was unable to undergo surgery to treat his aggressive prostate cancer. Instead, Dr. Thorn turned to Colorado CyberKnife VSI and underwent stereotactic radiosurgery to irradiate the cancer cells and treat his disease. Watch the full clip to learn more about his experiences.

For more information on CyberKnife surgery for prostate cancer and other types of cancer, contact Colorado CyberKnife VSI in the Denver Metro area at (888) 592-8185. You can also visit our website to learn more about how our services can help you.

Find Out More About Your Cancer Treatment By Visiting These Sites

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, you know firsthand how emotional the experience can be. To help you through the challenge of a cancer diagnosis, Colorado CyberKnife VSI is dedicated to providing cancer treatments with the highest standard in medical treatment in a picturesque Rocky Mountain facility that feels more like home than a hospital. Visit these sites to learn more about different types of cancer and your options for care.

Learn more about PSA testing with this fact sheet from the National Cancer Institute.

How has prostate cancer treatment improved over the past several years? Find out by exploring these statistics from the CDC.

If you are concerned about your risk for developing prostate cancer, follow Men’s Health magazine’s eight steps for prevention.

Educate yourself about the side effects of traditional radiation therapy for patients with prostate cancer to determine if robotic radiotherapy is right for you with this article from the American Cancer Society.

Patients from all over the United States come to Colorado CyberKnife VSI for our state-of-the-art treatments. Call us (888) 592-8185 today or visit our website to learn more about our services.

The Patient's Guide to Radiation Therapy

For many years, doctors have relied upon surgery and radiation therapies to treat cancer. Conventional radiation technology uses targeted doses of high energy to kill or damage cancer cells. Unfortunately, this type radiation may be accompanied by serious side effects and unintentionally target surrounding healthy tissues during treatment. When you are seeking cancer care for yourself or a loved one, ask your doctor about less invasive treatment options after reviewing these common questions about radiation.

How Does Radiation Work?

Radiation usually refers to a specific procedure known as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). During external beam radiation, a machine projects invisible, high-energy beams to certain points on your body. Although the goal of radiation is to destroy as few healthy cells as possible, traditional therapy can damage cancerous cells and surrounding normal tissue.

What Are Common Side Effects?

Patients who undergo radiation therapy can experience a wide range of side effects depending on which area of the body is treated and how much radiation is being used. Side effects of radiation are generally localized within the area treated. For example, a patient with prostate cancer who is treated with EBRT may expect bowel problems, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction along with general symptoms such as nausea and fatigue.

Are There Alternatives to Traditional Radiation?

Modern cancer care technology has presented an alternative to EBRT. Radiosurgery devices like the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System can target even small areas like tumors in the prostate gland with extreme accuracy and minimal damage to the surrounding healthy cells. Because the CyberKnife is so accurate, clinicians can deliver extremely high doses of radiation, shortening treatment times to just a few days in some cases. Most patients experience minimal or no side effects and usually recover quickly.

Whether you live in Denver or you are seeking care away from home, Colorado CyberKnife VSI’s peaceful Rocky Mountain facility can provide you with state-of-the-art cancer treatment customized to fit your needs. Even if you have already been treated with traditional radiation therapies like EBRT, you may still receive CyberKnife treatment. Call (888) 592-8185 today learn even more about CyberKnife Robotic radiation therapy.