Prostate Cancer Specialist
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Advanced Urology of Sarasota, LLC
Gerard A. Curtis, MD
Board Certified Urologist located in Sarasota, FL & Lakewood Ranch, FL
Prostate cancer affects around 1 in 9 men and is the second most common cancer in men. At premier urology practice Advanced Urology of Sarasota, LLC, board-certified urologic oncology specialist Gerard Curtis, MD, offers thoroughly customized care for prostate cancer. He understands that keeping your urinary and sexual function intact is important to you. He’s specially trained in da Vinci robot-assisted surgery to remove your prostate without damaging the nerves and other tissues around it. Call the Sarasota, Florida office, or book an appointment online today.
Prostate Cancer Q&A
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer doesn't always cause symptoms early on. In fact, routine prostate screenings often detect cancer before it's developed enough to cause any symptoms.
Late-stage prostate cancer often causes:
- Weak urine stream
- Burning during urination
- Difficulty starting urination
- Waking up multiple times overnight to urinate
- Blood in your urine (hematuria) or semen
- Pain during ejaculation
- Dull soreness in your pelvic area
- Lower back, hip, and thigh pain
- Bone pain
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
Symptom intensity varies depending on where and how large your tumor is. If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Advanced Urology of Sarasota, LLC as soon as possible, especially if it's been a while since your last prostate cancer screening.
Do I need regular prostate cancer screening?
Prostate cancer screening recommendations depend on your age, background, medical history, and overall risk factors. Dr. Curtis discusses your needs with you and recommends a screening schedule that's best for you.
In general, men should have regular prostate cancer screenings if any of the following apply:
- Aged 55-69 years old
- African-American heritage
- Family history of prostate cancer
If you're at risk for prostate cancer, you may need to start prostate screening at an earlier age. Adhering to the recommended schedule is the best way to prevent prostate cancer.
What is the treatment for prostate cancer?
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the cancer stage and grade, as well as your age, general health, and personal wishes. Treatment at Advanced Urology of Sarasota, LLC includes:
Active surveillance
Some tumors grow so slowly that Dr. Curtis might recommend active surveillance, in which you regularly undergo testing but don’t have immediate treatment.
Surgery
In many cases, surgery is the best solution for prostate cancer because it removes the tumor completely. Dr. Curtis has specialized training in robotic-assisted surgery.
Using the da Vinci Surgical System, Dr. Curtis regularly performs laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. For this procedure, Dr. Curtis uses tiny buttonhole-sized incisions, which greatly decrease bleeding, pain, and downtime.
This surgery removes the prostate gland but saves as much of the surrounding nerve tissue as possible. Because those are the nerves involved in sexual function, this surgical approach can help prevent erectile dysfunction after the surgery.
Local and systemic nonsurgical treatments
Other possible treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. You’ll likely need one or more of these treatments along with surgery if your prostate cancer spreads to other parts of your body.
Dr. Curtis offers compassionate care for prostate cancer. He understands your needs and goals, and he’s ready to help you find the best path forward for your treatment and your life.
Call Advanced Urology of Sarasota, LLC or book an appointment online today for expert prostate cancer support.
