What is prostate cancer and how is it managed?
Prostate cancer is a malignancy of the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped organ in men that produces seminal fluid. When detected early, it is highly manageable with a range of treatment options. Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune offers dedicated urology services for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of prostate cancer, supported by NABH pre-accreditation and a multidisciplinary clinical team.
Prostate cancer often grows slowly and may remain confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm initially. However, some types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Early detection through screening remains the most effective strategy for improving outcomes.
Key fact: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Regular screening with a PSA test can detect it before symptoms appear.
What are the early warning signs of prostate cancer?
In its early stages, prostate cancer may produce no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, the following signs may appear. Any of these lasting more than two to three weeks warrants prompt medical evaluation.
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Burning or pain during urination
- Blood in urine (haematuria) or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Persistent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue (in advanced disease)
Warning: These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Only a clinical evaluation and appropriate tests can confirm the cause. Do not self-diagnose.
Many men with early prostate cancer have no urinary symptoms whatsoever, which is why routine screening is recommended for men at risk.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis of prostate cancer involves a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests, imaging, and tissue biopsy. At Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune, the urology team follows a structured diagnostic pathway to accurately stage the disease before recommending treatment.
| Diagnostic Step | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| PSA Blood Test | Measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood; elevated levels may indicate cancer or other prostate conditions |
| Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) | Physical examination to detect abnormalities in the prostate's size, shape, or texture |
| Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) | Imaging to visualise the prostate gland and guide biopsy needle placement |
| Prostate Biopsy | Tissue samples are taken and examined under a microscope (histopathology) to confirm cancer and determine its grade |
| MRI / CT Scan | Advanced imaging to assess whether cancer has spread beyond the prostate |
| Bone Scan | Used when there is concern about metastasis to the bones |
Deccan Hardikar Hospital's in-house urology department coordinates with the hospital's histopathology laboratory to ensure accurate tissue analysis without delays.
What is the PSA test and when should men get it?
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA — a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. It is the primary screening tool for prostate cancer and can detect abnormalities before symptoms develop.
- Normal PSA levels are generally below 4 ng/mL, though interpretation depends on age, prostate size, and other factors
- Elevated PSA does not always mean cancer — benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis can also raise PSA levels
- A rising PSA over time (PSA velocity) is often more significant than a single reading
Recommended screening age guidelines:
- Men at average risk: discuss screening with a urologist from age 50
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer: consider screening from age 40–45
- Men of African descent: earlier screening may be advisable due to higher risk
Tip: The decision to undergo PSA screening should be made in consultation with a urologist, weighing individual risk factors and the potential benefits and limitations of the test.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage and grade of the disease, the patient's age, overall health, and personal preferences. The urology and oncology teams at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune develop individualised treatment plans through multidisciplinary case review.
- Active Surveillance: For low-risk, slow-growing cancers — regular monitoring with PSA tests, DRE, and periodic biopsies without immediate intervention
- Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate gland, performed via open or laparoscopic techniques
- Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation seeds) to destroy cancer cells
- Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy): Reduces testosterone levels that fuel prostate cancer growth; often used alongside radiation or for advanced disease
- Chemotherapy: Used for advanced or hormone-resistant prostate cancer
- Targeted Therapy / Immunotherapy: Newer approaches used in specific cases based on tumour biology
- Palliative Care: For advanced disease, focused on symptom management and quality of life
The hospital's oncology and urology departments work in coordination to ensure continuity of care from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.
When should you see a urologist for prostate concerns?
Seek a urological consultation promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty urinating or a noticeably weak urine stream persisting for more than two weeks
- Blood in urine or semen on more than one occasion
- Unexplained pain in the lower back, pelvis, or hips lasting more than three weeks
- Frequent nighttime urination that is disrupting sleep
- A PSA result flagged as elevated by your general physician
- A first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer
Men aged 50 and above with no symptoms should still discuss prostate cancer screening with a urologist as part of routine preventive care. Those with a family history should initiate this conversation earlier.
Book a Urology Consultation at Deccan Hardikar Hospital
Located at 1160/61, University Rd, Shivajinagar, Pune – 411005. Use the booking form on this page to schedule your appointment.
How does Deccan Hardikar Hospital support prostate cancer care in Pune?
Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune is a NABH pre-accredited superspeciality hospital with five decades of surgical experience across Western Maharashtra. The hospital's urology department manages the full spectrum of prostate conditions — from benign enlargement to cancer — within a facility that also houses oncology, radiology, and an in-house histopathology laboratory.
- Multidisciplinary tumour board approach for cancer staging and treatment planning
- In-house histopathology lab for faster biopsy results
- Coordination between urology, oncology, and surgical teams under one roof
- Transparent cost structure with patient-centric care protocols
- Referral centre for complex urological and oncological cases across Western Maharashtra
Patients seeking a PSA test, prostate biopsy, or a second opinion on a prostate cancer diagnosis can use the booking form on this page to connect with the urology team directly.