Prostate Cancer Treatment in The Woodlands, TX

Men become more susceptible to prostate cancer as they get older and it’s a major issue for those in the middle to late stages of life. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. It’s very important for men to receive regular prostate exams. For patients in The Woodlands and Tomball, TX, urologist Miguel Mercado, MD is here to help. Dr. Mercado is board-certified by the American Board of Urology and has extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with prostate cancer. Contact us today to schedule your exam.

Exams could be the difference between catching it at the right time or not.

What Types of Prostate Screenings Are There?

There are two ways to check for the presence of prostate cancer:

Digital Rectal Exam – A medical professional will feel the prostate in order to check for lumps, swelling or any other abnormalities.

Prostate Specific Antigen Test – PSA is a substance that is made by the prostate. If prostate cancer is present, PSA levels may be higher than normal. During this procedure, a blood sample will be taken in order to measure the amount of this substance in the patient’s bloodstream.

How Often Should Prostate Exams Be Performed?

Once a man reaches 50 years of age, it is recommended that he receive a digital rectal exam annually. If a person is at high risk, they may begin regular examinations between 40 and 45 years old.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Men with prostate cancer may experience different symptoms, but there are warning signs to look out for. It is highly recommended that men who experience any of the following symptoms schedule an appointment with their doctor:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak urine flow
• Frequent urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the hips or back
• Weight loss

How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?

Urologist Miguel A. Mercado, MD provides all of the modern, FDA-approved treatments for prostate cancer to his patients. Dr. Mercado also has a robust active surveillance program for patients whose cancer is not aggressive and can be monitored.

Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Dr. Mercado has extensive experience in minimally-invasive, robotic surgery for prostate cancer with nerve-sparing to preserve erections and urinary control. He is part of the Robotic Center of Excellence at Houston Methodist Hospital the Woodlands and has performed hundreds of robotic surgery cases with an emphasis on prostatectomy.

Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Dr. Mercado manages many patients with radiation therapy and provides the SpaceOar (TM) implant to minimize local side effects.