Prostate cancer will affect one in every six men, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. At Northside Hospital more prostate cancer cases – nearly three times more – have been treated than any other hospital in Georgia. As with any cancer, early detection is a key component to successful treatment and survival. Which is why Northside Hospital has a comprehensive prostate cancer treatment program which offers screening, diagnosis, leading-edge treatment and support.
Early Detection
Finding prostate cancer at its early stages can save lives. Which is why Northside Hospital offers free community prostate screenings throughout the year.
Who should be screened?
- Men between 50 and 70 with no family history of prostate cancer
- Men between 40 and 70 with a family history of prostate cancer
- African-American men between 40 and 70
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Northside hosts free screenings each September at all 3 campuses. Consult our screening calendar for location and time information. Registration begins in July. Appointments are required.
Methods of Diagnosis
Northside Hospital offers a full range of diagnostic tests. Options include digital rectal examinations, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) lab tests, transrectal ultrasounds and biopsies.
Leading-Edge Treatment
Our leading-edge Prostate Care Program and highly experienced health care professionals, provide advanced treatments including: robotic prostatectomy, hormone therapy and prostate seed implantation-radiation.
Seed Implantation-Radiation
Northside performs more prostate seed implants than any provider in Georgia.
A procedure performed under general anesthesia involves directly implanting between 80 to 120 tiny radioactive pellets, into the prostate gland. The seeds which are smaller than a grain of rice, are positioned to target and ultimately eliminate cancerous cells without harming surrounding tissue. The procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. Most daily activities can be resumed fairly quickly after surgery. Additional radiation treatments may be required.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
A prostate cancer treatment that can be used independently or after prostate seed implantation. This treatment may greatly reduce a patient’s recovery time, the likelihood of impotence and it may reduce the risk of incontinence when compared to radical prostatectomy. Brachytherapy places the radiation inside the tumor, tightly focused within the site of the cancer. This outpatient procedure targets cancer with higher radiation doses without damaging surrounding normal tissue.
Laparoscopic Robotic Prostatectomy
As a pioneer in laparoscopic procedures Northside leads the state in daVinci robotic prostatectomy procedures minimally invasive procedure that lets the surgeon view 3D, high-definition images during surgery. The surgeon can manipulate robotic arms to attain a greater range of motion than humanly possible. As a result, patients experience smaller incisions, less pain and scarring, reduced blood loss, quicker recovery and return of sexual function. Northside leads the state in total number of laparoscopic daVinci™ robotic prostatectomy surgeries performed.
What robotic surgery means for the patient
- Smaller risk of impotence or erectile dysfunction - Prostatectomy
- Smaller risk of leakage / urinary incontinence - Prostatectomy
- Reduced pain and trauma
- Fewer complications
- Less blood loss and need for transfusions
- Less post-operative pain and discomfort
- Less risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery and return to work
- Less scarring
Hormone Therapy
A therapy used to lower the level of male hormones that promote tumor growth when cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland and surgery and radiation usually are not effective. Chemotherapy may also be used to extend life when hormonal therapy is no longer effective.
Cryosurgery - We are also one of the few hospitals in Atlanta performing cryosurgery, a procedure that freezes and destroys prostate cancer cells. It is a treatment option for those patients whose early-stage cancer is confined to the prostate gland. Less invasive than traditional surgery, Cryosurgery may be an option for men who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy because of their age or other medical conditions.
Clinical trials
Northside Hospital participates in numerous clinical trials, providing patients with access to the latest treatments available. See Clinical Trials in the Medical Services section of our web site for a complete listing of open, active trials.
Support & Rehabilitation
Even beyond offering advanced treatment options and expert medical care, Northside Hospital also offers support, rehabilitation, biofeedback and impotence control programs to ensure that once you have beaten your cancer, you enjoy continued health and peace of mind.
