Prostate Cancer Specialist

San Jose Urology Partners

Urologists & Minimally Invasive Urological Oncology located in North Valley, San Jose, CA

Approximately 11.2% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, according to recent data by the National Cancer Institute. James Hwong, MD and the team at San Jose Urology Partners in the North Valley area of San Jose, California are compassionate urologists and prostate cancer specialists serving men every step of the way. The right medical care and emotional support are essential. From preventive care to diagnostic testing and treatment, the medical staff at San Jose Urology Partners are here to help. Start by booking your consultation online or call the office today.

Prostate Cancer Q & A

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate, a small gland in men that creates seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men and typically grows slowly in the prostate gland.

When prostate cancer is detected early and confined to the prostate gland, there’s a better chance of successful treatment.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer might not show any symptoms in the early stages. More advanced prostate cancer might have symptoms including:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Blood in the semen
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Bone pain
  • Erectile dysfunction

If you have any of these symptoms or concerns, visit our team for an evaluation and prostate cancer testing, such as a PSA test, digital rectal exam, MRI, ultrasound, and biopsy.

What causes prostate cancer?

The cause of prostate cancer isn’t definitive, but doctors know that cancer starts when certain cells in the prostate become abnormal. Mutations in the DNA of these abnormal cells cause the cells to grow and divide more quickly than normal cells.

The abnormal cells continue accumulating and form a tumor that can grow and invade surrounding tissue. Some abnormal cells can break off and spread to other areas of the body.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

There are a number of factors that might increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, including:

  • Age
  • Family history of prostate cancer
  • Obesity

Our team works with you to lower your risk of prostate cancer. Regular screening, frequent exercise and eating a healthy nutrient-rich diet are highly encouraged.

What are the treatments for prostate cancer?

Depending on the aggressiveness (grade) of your cancer, your overall health, and how fast your cancer is growing, our team might recommend various treatment methods, such as:

  • Watchful waiting or active surveillance, which involves monitoring the progress of your cancer with screenings and testing
  • Radiation using high-powered energy to kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy
  • Biological therapy
  • Hormone therapy to stop testosterone production (cancer cells rely on testosterone to assist growth)
  • Surgery to remove the prostate

Surgery for prostate cancer involves removing your prostate gland, some lymph nodes, and surrounding tissue. We use the revolutionary da Vinci® robotic-assisted system to perform prostate cancer surgery.

In this procedure, the doctor uses hand controls to guide the robotic arms and surgical instruments of the da Vinci system. The surgery is displayed on a high-definition monitor. The da Vinci robotic surgery allows for more precise movements, smaller incisions, and a faster recovery time.

Book your prostate cancer screening online or call the office today.