Pointing out that prostate cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer in men, usually progresses without symptoms, Urology Specialist Dr. İrfan Şafak Barlas recommends that men go for a urological check-up once a year after the age of 40, even if they do not have any complaints about urination.
Acıbadem Ankara Hospital Urology Specialist Dr. İrfan Şafak Barlas pointed out that prostate diseases that occur in men, especially after the age of 40, both impair the quality of life and in some cases shorten life expectancy. Barlas stated that prostate cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer in men, progresses without giving any certainty, and noted that men should go for check-ups at regular intervals after the age of 40, even if they do not have any complaints about urination.
It can be seen in one out of every two men over the age of 50
Stating that changes in the prostate structure are seen in men after the age of 40, Dr. Barlas said, “As a result of the increase in the growth of prostate tissue with these changes, some complaints occur, especially in men over the age of 50. One of the most important of these is difficulties in urination.”
Emphasizing that it is difficult to detect changes in the structure of the prostate beforehand, Dr. Barlas pointed out that according to research, prostate diseases, which are common in men over the age of 50, can be seen in one out of every two men in this age group.
Stating that the incidence of these diseases increases with advancing age, Dr. Barlas said, “Do not neglect your annual checks. Because the rate of early diagnosis of the problem is high in annual controls. Early diagnosis is one of the most important factors that increase the success of treatment.”
“It can even damage the kidneys”
Emphasizing that after the growth of the prostate begins, the pressure in the urinary tract will not decrease due to this growth, will not disappear spontaneously and therefore the complaints will continue, Dr. Barlas warned the patients as follows:
“Enlargement of the prostate leads to complaints in the urinary tract. However, new problems or infections in the urinary tract along with these complaints cause further exacerbation of the complaints.”
Pointing out that urinary bladder functions may deteriorate in the long term as a result of decreased urine flow rate, Dr. Barlas emphasized that urinary complaints can become resistant to treatment and damage the kidneys, and for this reason, patients with these complaints should consult a doctor.
“Medications taken without consulting a doctor can damage many organs or systems”
Stating that these patients can be prevented from damaging organs such as kidney and bladder for a while by reducing their complaints with drug treatment, Dr. Barlas said, “It should be kept in mind that the treatment started over time may be insufficient and doctor controls should be continued. If drug treatment is inadequate or undesirable effects occur, drug change or surgery may be considered.”
Pointing out that today, enlarged prostate can be treated with closed (endoscopic) methods that provide faster recovery and without the need for incision without the need for open surgery, Dr. Barlas said, “Especially laser prostate treatment method is recommended in the guidelines of the European (EAU) and American (AUA) urology associations among the standard treatments. Apart from these drugs and surgical treatments that have proven their effectiveness and safety, nutrients and substances used for treatment without the supervision of a doctor can seriously damage many organs or systems, especially the cardiovascular system.”
“Annual control is recommended after the age of 40”
Dr. Barlas pointed out that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and that its incidence has increased a lot, especially in developed countries, as it is diagnosed more often, and said that the most important step in the fight against prostate cancer is screening tests.
Underlining that patients do not need any symptoms to be examined for prostate cancer, Dr. Barlas stated the following:
“Prostate cancer often progresses without symptoms. For this reason, even if there is no urinary complaint, men should definitely go for annual urology control after the age of 40. In prostate cancer screening, the patient should be examined by a urologist with blood and urine results, especially PSA (prostate specific antigen). Catching prostate cancer at an early stage is very important for the patient's quality of life and life expectancy. It is possible to completely remove a limited cancer in the prostate gland detected at an early stage with successful intervention, preserving the comfort of life to a great extent.”
“Pain and complications decreased with robotic surgery”
Referring to the fact that robotic surgery, which has become widespread in recent years, has made prostate surgeries more positive, Dr. Barlas stated that since the prostate is reached with apparatus placed in small holes opened in the skin in robotic operations, postoperative pain, complications and hospital stay are very shortened.
Pointing out that the prostate tissue is removed more safely with robotic surgery, Dr. Barlas said, “One of the apparatuses in robotic surgery has a camera. With the help of this camera, the surgeon can view the surgical field by enlarging it very much. These features allow the surgeon to remove the prostate tissue more safely and to better protect the structures close to the prostate.”
Dr. Barlas stated that very successful oncological control is achieved in patients with prostate cancer limited to the prostate gland and urinary incontinence, one of the most important and frequent complications that limit the patient's comfort of life after surgery, can be prevented.
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