About Prostate Cancer - UCI Prostate Cancer Center | Prostate Cancer Doctors and Specialists

The prostate is a small gland that produces seminal fluid for the transportation and nourishment of sperm. Cancer of the prostate is the most commonly found cancer in men.

As seen in many other areas of the body, it’s possible for cancer to develop in the prostate but this usually happens without symptoms. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer that men can suffer from, which is why regular screenings for prostate cancer are essential.

This can be a slowly growing cancer, which means that it may remain in the prostate without spreading for quite some time. However, it’s also possible that you could suffer from a fast-spreading tumor, which is why early detection is essential. The best way to discover that you might be affected by prostate cancer is by learning more about the screening and who may get this type of cancer.

Risk Factors and Causes of Prostate Cancer

A person’s risk of developing prostate cancer will increase as they get older. Men who have a family history of prostate cancer are much more likely to develop prostate cancer. African American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Lifestyle can also play an important role in the development or prevention of prostate cancer.

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Scott Trantina

Dr. David Lee performed my Prostatectomy and I could not have been happier with the experience and outcome. Dr. Lee and his staff at UCI did a great job. Recovery was quick and relatively easy. My first uPSA was 0.006 so I'm optimistic that cancer won't reoccur. The only negative is that it is very difficult to speak to any Doctor at UCI outside of a scheduled appointment. Forget about using the UCI web portal to communicate with a Doctor.

Howard Fischer

I recently had a Radical Prostatectomy performed by Dr. Ahlering at UCI. The care that I received was amazing from the moment I walked in for check-in to pre-op nursing care to meeting the anesthesiologist to post-op and recovery. I would highly recommend this facility and felt completely comfortable with the care that I received.

tim esparza

The Nurses and Doctors made me feel comfortable for the Surgery. They paid attention to details down to the warm blankets.The best patient care possible!

Robert Wald

My experience with the UCI team of nurses, doctors, and aides was outstanding. They were very professional and competent. Everyone made you feel special. I would highly recommend them.

Marc Morin

When I received the diagnosis of prostate cancer, as well as facing the prospects of having a prostectomy, to say that I was apprehensive & upset, would be an understatement. Thanks to the medical team who took care of me before, during, and after my surgery, I’m so glad I decided to seek treatment at UCI Urology Prostate Cancer Center.

Wun-Chau Cheng

Dr. Uchio performed my prostate biopsy on February, 2021. since then, he had my cancer tissues sent out to different laboratories for detailed tests.After carefully examining all the test results and considering my age, Dr. Uchio recommended a combined radiation and hormone treatment.To make sure a best result from the radiation treatment, Dr. Uchio placed three fidicials or markers in my prostate and inserted a gel between my prostate and rectum as a partition.The outcome of the combined radiation and hormone treatment has proved very effective and successful when I had a follow-up visit with Dr. Uchio on November, 2021. I will need to follow up with other blood tests to watch out the PSA level.I would say that Dr. Uchio is a very thorough and knowledgeable professional urologist. On top of that, he is very kind and courtesy to me, and I am very sure, to all of his patients as well.I would like to express my sincere thanks toDr. Uchio and his assistant, Eric who also showed the same kindness and attitude .

Tom Lee

Dr. Uchio is truly a thorough professional with kind heart. He has excellent team at UCI. The procedure he recommended, PAE conducted by Dr. James Katrivesis, has cured my problem entirely. I have very good experiences being treated by Dr. Uchio and his staff at UCI Urology.

Guillermo Tejada

UCI Urology is a medical facility full of great Doctors. I researched and found Dr. Edward Uchio a good fit for my problem. Dr. Uchio level of professional confidence and positive attitude confirm my decision.

Frank Cunningham

My experience at The Prostate Cancer Center was terrific! I had been thoroughly prepared by Dr. David Lee and his team and my care while at the Cancer Center was excellent. No delays, no complications and I was released the same day as my surgery! I cannot say enough goof things about my care.

Joe Lambert

Dr. Uchio and his staff Steven & Eric have been incredible to deal with. I've been seeing Dr. Uchio for the past couple years and have found them to be incredibly knowledgeable, friendly & helpful.

Mark Martinez

These people were simply angels for me at a time of heightened concern and stress. Everyone I interacted with was so supportive and reassuring. Dr. Aherline was factual, honest and easy to speak with. He is also so expert, but he may have understated his capabilities as my recovery greatly exceeded his more cautious predictions of my life post surgery.This is the place to go for prostate cancer. I continue to recommend them to anyone who inquires. My rationale for saying this is that my experience exceeded what friends and colleagues report and that my very good family practitioner confessed that it is the place he would go.

Tim Stripe

Dr. Ahlering and his staff run a first class organization. From the first day I met Dr. Ahlering until I had my surgery about 3 years later, Dr. Ahlering was available to answer any and all questions. Prior to my surgery I conferred with the head of the urology department at UCSD and was advised that Dr. Ahlering was perhaps the best Prostate surgeon on the west coast. Once the surgery was scheduled the pre-op staff were very attentive to every detail and walked me through the whole process. Lydia Cruz - Reyes is one of the people who interfaces with patients and knows all facets of the process and is most helpful. Lydia has a great understanding of the patients needs and apprehensions and also understands the UC Medical system and how to navigate a patient through the process. It is also assuring to note that Dr. Ahlering does all facets of the surgery (with the exception of anesthesia) himself and he is the attending physician though the entire surgical procedure. My surgical procedure was on a Wednesday morning and I was in my car traveling home on Thursday by noon.Dr Ahlering was very forth-rite in explaining what the expected outcome would be from my surgery and he has been spot on, I have just passed the one year marker since I had the surgery and my results are very close to what Dr. Ahlering said they would be. It was also good to know that Dr. Ahlering has records and statistics on every patient where he has performed surgery that he refers to as he advises each patient of their expected outcome.The post surgery follow-up contact from Dr. Ahlering and his staff has been very pro-active and I have been pleased with the process. Overall, for me the decision to do the surgery and have the prostate removed was the right choice. I have had great recovery and have been pleased with the outcome.

New Dude Named Dex

My experience at UCI was outstanding. Obviously, I was blessed to have world-renowned Urologist Dr. Thomas Alhering as my Doctor. However, his staff is the best reflection of his expertise and high level of patient care. Being a patient for more than eight years, I've gotten to know Ana, Cate, and Lydia personally and can't express how appreciative I'm of the caring, concern, and follow-up they have shown me. Outstanding Doctor with an excellent support team!

Potential Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In the early stages of prostate cancer, there are likely to be no symptoms. In rare cases of prostate cancer that has spread, some of the symptoms that could occur include bone pain, difficulties with urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, erectile dysfunction, unintended weight loss, and general discomfort in the pelvic area. You should see a doctor if you notice any of these signs and symptoms.

How This Cancer is Diagnosed

Men in their 50s are encouraged to discuss the benefits of regular screening with their primary doctor. Patients may need to have these conversations at age 40 if they are black, have a family history of prostate cancer, or have other risk factors.

If you go to a prostate cancer screening, the two main tests are a digital rectal exam and a blood test. A digital rectal exam involves the doctor inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum in order to examine the prostate and evaluate it for texture, size, and shape, while the blood test is called a prostate-specific antigen or more commonly called a PSA.

In the event that one of these tests identifies an abnormality, additional examinations will be performed possibly including repeating the blood test, a urine test and/or an MRI which may finally lead to the biopsy of the prostate.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Options for treating prostate cancer depend on many factors, including how fast the cancer may be growing, how aggressive the cancer is, whether or not the cancer has spread, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options can include surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy, among other options. In select cases surveillance may be the best treatment option. This involves regular PSA testing and a periodic MRI and prostate biopsy. Your doctor will discuss all of these treatment options if and when it may be necessary.