Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer develops when malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate - a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in American men. One out of every six males will be diagnosed with the disease during his lifetime.

Early Detection Is Key

Detecting and diagnosing prostate cancer as early as possible and undergoing timely treatment is an essential part of beating the disease. At Morton Plant Hospital, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic testing and imaging services to give patients their best chance at a positive outcome. At the innovative Carlisle Imaging Center, conveniently located on Morton Plant Hospital's campus, we provide:

• Prostate ultrasound
• Pelvic ultrasound
• MRI
• PET/CT

Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment

We offer prostate cancer patients the most advanced treatment options available to combat the disease, including:

• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies
• SpaceOAR™
• Fiducial Marker Placement
• External beam radiation therapy using state-of-the-art technology
• Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)/ Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
• Hormone therapy
• Biologic therapy (immunotherapy)

Robotic-Assisted Prostate Cancer Surgery

One of the treatment options for prostate cancer is the removal of the prostate gland, called a prostatectomy. Prostatectomies performed through the da Vinci Surgical System® allow for smaller incisions and greater nerve-sparing capability. This is vital because the nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function surround the surgical area. Da Vinci robotic technology is so precise that surgeons can remove the prostate gland while preserving continence and erectile function.

Additional benefits of robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery over a traditional radical prostatectomy include:

• Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
• Less invasive procedure, resulting in decreased risk of infection and less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay (usually one night)
• Less pain after surgery
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities

Space OAR™

The SpaceOAR system is a medical device used to protect against rectal injury during radiation therapy for prostate cancer. SpaceOAR, which stands for “Spacing Organs at Risk,” is an absorbable perirectal spacer.

Outpatient Prostate Cancer Services in Clearwater, Florida

We are committed to delivering the highest quality cancer care with the least disruption to your normal, daily routine. On the Morton Plant Hospital campus, outpatient chemotherapy is available at Axelrod Pavilion and outpatient radiation therapy is available at  Lykes Radiation Pavilion.

For a free physician referral, please call the BayCare Customer Service Center at (727) 462-7500, find a urologist or radiation oncologist near you.