Latest news with #BPH
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Enlarged prostate: Robotic technology treatment brings hope
Difficulty peeing, a frequent need to go to the toilet and trouble emptying their bladder - those are just some of the problems living with an enlarged prostate can bring ask David Fleming, from east Belfast, who has been living with one for a number of years and was one of about 1,000 men on a waiting list for bladder outlet left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to more severe symptoms such as acute urinary retention and infections - which is why getting that waiting list down is so a new treatment - or more specifically, a new robotic technology - is offering hope that those men can be treated sooner rather than later. Mr Fleming himself was delighted to be one of the first to undergo aquablation therapy at the Ulster treatment, the first of its kind across the island of Ireland, is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a heat-free waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue, which Mr Fleming said will make a big difference to his life. The 64-year-old's condition, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), worsened early this year and his difficulties peeing led to a catheter being fitted. But this new treatment will "sort the prostate out so that the flow will be good in the future".Mr Fleming said his condition was being managed by medication until December but then it "took on a life of its own"."I would have been waking every hour at night, every hour and a half, so I really wasn't getting much sleep and was really quite tired," he the procedure should solve the issue, ensure the catheter is removed and give him "a good quality of life in relation to what I've had previously". Mr Fleming hopes, come his 65th birthday in September, he will be "a new man". How does aquablation therapy work? While there are several benign prostate treatments available, this treatment particularly helps men experiencing urinary problems due to an enlarged now, men with a very enlarged prostate had to travel to England for treatment or have more complex or invasive surgery in Northern this robotic technology eliminates the need for invasive prostate uses image-guided, high-velocity water jets to precisely remove excess prostate ultrasound imaging helps the surgeon map and direct the water jet with accuracy, avoiding damage to nearby nerves and structures responsible for sexual function and traditional procedures, no heat is involved, significantly lowering the risk of South Eastern Health Trust said this technology reduces the likelihood of side effects such as erectile dysfunction, incontinence and bleeding that may require also offers a shorter recovery time, shorter hospital stays and lower retreatment rates, improving outcomes for patients. What could the new treatment do for NI waiting lists? Ajay Pahuja, consultant urologist at the South Eastern Health Trust, described it as "an exciting new transformative technology" with many benefits for men who have difficulty passing urine."It's quite precise, it's safe and quite quick," he said. "Secondly, we'll be able to probably get patients back to work - an early return to their normal jobs."The complication rates are quite low if you're precise."Mr Pahuja said it also preserves sexual function, which is one of the big things this technology TURP is considered the gold standard care for treating benign prostate (BPH), surgeons say aquablation therapy complements the existing technologies they have and will hopefully help tackle the long waiting Pahuja said the urology waiting list, like other specialities, had a legacy of problems and that those with age-related benign prostate enlargement were waiting "as long as five to seven years" for treatment, with many having to go to said aquablation therapy could mean more efficient and effective treatment, coupled with the South Eastern Health Trust being declared as a regional BPH centre, should help shorten the waiting lists. The trust's assistant director of surgery, Katharine Dane, said all men across Northern Ireland will benefit from this new said aquablation therapy was "a real coup" for the trust. "It just completes the suite of treatment," she on a waiting list in other trusts will be transferred to the Ulster Hospital to be offered this service, if that is what is decided is appropriate for their prostate.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
High-risk patient relieved of BPH through minimally invasive procedure
The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Visakhapatnam, successfully performed the UroLift procedure on a 72-year-old man with a history of heart problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and long-term catheter use due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The patient had previously undergone several failed attempts to remove the catheter. Given his high cardiac and anaesthetic risk, G. Ravindra Varma, managing director and senior consultant urologist, chose the UroLift system — a minimally invasive procedure — which he safely performed under local anaesthesia. He was joined by Amit Saple, executive director and senior consultant urologist, and P. Sridhar, consultant urologist, in executing the intervention. The UroLift system uses tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, thereby restoring normal urine flow without cutting or removing tissue. After the procedure, the patient was able to void spontaneously and is now catheter-free, significantly improving his comfort and quality of life, according to a statement issued by the hospital.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Biden's last prostate cancer screening was in 2014, his office confirms
Former President Biden's last known prostate cancer screening was in 2014, a spokesperson for the former president said Tuesday. The acknowledgement that Biden hasn't been screened in 10 years fills in some details regarding his diagnosis with aggressive, stage 4 prostate cancer that's spread to the bone. Prostate cancer is extremely common in older men, and Biden's announcement fueled public speculation about why a man with access to some of the best medical care in the country could be surprised with such a late-stage cancer diagnosis. 'President Biden's last known PSA was in 2014. Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer,' the spokesperson said. Many prostate cancers in the U.S. are detected with a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA). But doctors for years have debated about the benefits of screening for prostate cancer, especially in older men. It's best if the cancer is caught early, but there needs to be a balance between early detection and overtreatment for slow-growing cancer that doesn't become life-threatening. When Biden was last tested in 2014, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a volunteer panel of experts that makes preventive-health recommendations, recommended against any screenings regardless of a person's age. Guidelines have since shifted, and in 2018 they were updated to suggest men ages 55 to 69 make an 'individual' decision after first discussing it with their provider. The panel continues to recommend against screening in older men because of limited benefit, as do most other organizations. Biden turned 72 in 2014. A medical report released in 2019 from then-candidate Biden showed he was once treated for 'Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH,' otherwise known as an enlarged prostate. But BPH is not cancer, and research shows it does not lead to cancer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Biden's last prostate cancer screening was in 2014, his office confirms
Former President Biden's last known prostate cancer screening was in 2014, a spokesperson for the former president said Tuesday. The acknowledgement that Biden hasn't been screened in 10 years fills in some details regarding his diagnosis with aggressive, stage 4 prostate cancer that's spread to the bone. Prostate cancer is extremely common in older men, and Biden's announcement fueled public speculation about why a man with access to some of the best medical care in the country could be surprised with such a late-stage cancer diagnosis. 'President Biden's last known PSA was in 2014. Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer,' the spokesperson said. Many prostate cancers in the U.S. are detected with a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA). But doctors for years have debated about the benefits of screening for prostate cancer, especially in older men. It's best if the cancer is caught early, but there needs to be a balance between early detection and overtreatment for slow-growing cancer that doesn't become life-threatening. When Biden was last tested in 2014, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a volunteer panel of experts that makes preventive-health recommendations, recommended against any screenings regardless of a person's age. Guidelines have since shifted, and in 2018 they were updated to suggest men ages 55 to 69 make an 'individual' decision after first discussing it with their provider. The panel continues to recommend against screening in older men because of limited benefit, as do most other organizations. Biden turned 72 in 2014. A medical report released in 2019 from then-candidate Biden showed he was once treated for 'Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH,' otherwise known as an enlarged prostate. But BPH is not cancer, and research shows it does not lead to cancer.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Biden is getting prostate cancer treatment, but that's not the best choice for all men − a cancer researcher describes how she helped her father decide
'Me encontraron càncer en la pròstata,' my father told me. 'They found cancer in my prostate.' As a cancer researcher who knows very well about the high incidence and decreased survival rates of prostate cancer in the Caribbean, I anguished over these words. Even though I study cancer in my day job, I struggled to take in this news. At the time, all I could muster in response was, 'What did the doctor say?' 'The urologist wants me to see the radiation oncologist to discuss 'semillas' (seeds),' he said. 'They are recommending treatment.' Many men, including former President Joe Biden, whose case is advanced, do choose with their doctors to treat prostate cancer. However, I understood from my work that not undergoing treatment was also an option. In some cases, that is the better choice. So I took it upon myself to educate my father on his disease and assist him with the life-changing decisions he would need to make. Our journey can give you a preview of what a cancer diagnosis can be like. Prostate cancer was not a new topic for my father and me. His battle with his prostate health started over 10 years ago with an initial diagnosis of benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. The prostate gets bigger with age for a number of reasons, including changing hormone levels, infection or inflammation. Two of the most frequent symptoms of BPH are difficulty urinating and a sudden, urgent need to urinate, both of which my father experienced. Although research suggests that the factors that contribute to BPH similarly contribute to prostate cancer, there is no evidence that an enlarged prostate will necessarily develop into cancer. Upon my father's initial BPH diagnosis, I asked about his PSA levels, the amount of prostate-specific antigens in his blood. PSA is a protein that both normal and cancerous prostate cells produce, and elevated amounts are considered red flags for prostate cancer. When combined with a digital rectal exam, a PSA test can allow doctors to more accurately predict a person's risk of having prostate cancer. My father said his PSA levels were elevated but that the doctors would begin active surveillance, what he called 'watchful waiting,' and monitor his PSA every six months to see if it rose. After several years of monitoring his PSA, doctors found my father's PSA level had doubled. He then got a biopsy that indicated he had intermediate-risk prostate cancer. After his diagnosis, my father was faced with the decision of how to proceed with treatment. I explained that categorizing how aggressive the cancer is and how far it has spread can help determine the best course of treatment. Prostate cancer can be grouped into four stages. Stages 1 and 2, when the tumor is still confined to the prostate, are considered early-stage or intermediate risk. Stages 3 and 4, when the tumor has spread beyond the borders of the prostate, are considered more advanced and high risk. Some patients with early-stage or intermediate-risk prostate cancer undergo additional treatment, including surgery, radiation or radioactive seed implants called brachytherapy. Patients with late-stage prostate cancer typically undergo hormone therapy along with surgery or radiation, or chemotherapy with or without radiation. Although I was not surprised by my father's diagnosis, given his advanced age and his battle with prostate disease over the past decade, I still struggled emotionally. I struggled with our conversations about what 'curing' his cancer meant and how to explain his treatment options to him. I wanted to ensure he would have the best outcome and could still live his best life. Our initial inclination was to undergo active surveillance. That meant we would monitor his PSA every six months instead of immediately starting treatment. That is appropriate for patients with early-stage and less aggressive tumors. My father was leaning on me to help him decide how to proceed. I felt overwhelming anxiety because I did not want to fail him or my family. Even with all my expertise studying cancer genetics and working with cancer patients, I couldn't help second-guessing our decisions, and I sometimes questioned our decision not to immediately treat his cancer. Some people diagnosed with prostate cancer don't immediately start treatment, because many of the tumors found through PSA testing grow so slowly that they are unlikely to be life-threatening. Detecting these slow-growing tumors is considered overdiagnosis, because the cancer ultimately will not harm the patient during their lifetime. Nearly half of all patients with prostate cancer are overdiagnosed, often leading to overtreatment. Research suggests that many prostate cancer patients undergo unnecessarily aggressive treatments, which are often associated with significant harms, like urinary and bowel incontinence, sexual impotence and, in some cases, death. Several studies in the U.S. have shown that patients with early-stage prostate cancer generally have a good prognosis, and the cancer rarely progresses further. With careful observation, most will never need treatment and can be spared the burdens of unnecessary therapy until there are clear signs of progression. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to recommend against PSA-based screening in 2012, with caveats for high-risk groups including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. The recommendation was updated in 2018 to make screening a personal choice after discussion with a clinician. Those recommendations have resulted in reduced screening and increased prostate cancer diagnoses. Given that Black men are more likely to see the cancer progress to aggressive forms of the disease after initial diagnosis, this may worsen existing health disparities. Developing tests that better identify patients at risk of dying from prostate cancer can decrease overtreatment. In the meantime, educating patients can help them decide if screening is appropriate for them. For underserved and marginalized communities, community outreach can help improve health literacy and enhance awareness and screening. When I looked through my father's stack of medical records, I found a beacon of light that eased my apprehension. His doctor had ordered a genetic test that estimates how aggressive a tumor may be by measuring the activity of specific genes in cancer cells. An increase in gene activity linked to cancer would indicate that it is likely to grow fast and spread. The test predicted that my father's risk of dying from the disease in the next five years was less than 5%. Based on these results, we both understood that he had adequate time to make a decision and seek additional guidance. My father ultimately decided to continue active surveillance and forgo immediate treatment. I still worry about my father's diagnosis, because his cancer is at risk for progression. So every six months, I inquire about his PSA levels. His doctors are monitoring his PSA levels as part of his survivorship plan, which is a record of information about his cancer diagnosis, treatment history and potential follow-up tests. My father's decision to undergo active surveillance was controversial among our friends and family. Many were under the impression that prostate cancer required immediate treatment. Several shared successful treatment stories, sometimes followed by stories of adverse treatment-related side effects. To date, my father believes that active surveillance was the best decision for him and understands that this may not be the same for someone else. Talk to your doctor to see what the best options are for you or your loved ones. This is an updated version of an article originally published on Aug. 8, 2023. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Luisel Ricks-Santi, University of Florida Read more: Cancer research in the US is world class because of its broad base of funding − with the government pulling out, its future is uncertain Cancer often requires more than one treatment − an oncologist explains why some patients like Kate Middleton receive both chemotherapy and surgery Stopping the cancer cells that thrive on chemotherapy – research into how pancreatic tumors adapt to stress could lead to a new treatment approach Luisel Ricks-Santi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
