Prostate cancer is often observed in men over 50. Its progression is frequently silent, leading to late detection when the disease has already become invasive and metastatic, according to a representative from K Hospital.

The patient presented with chest pain, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough. He was diagnosed with left pneumothorax and underwent pleural drainage. An abdominal ultrasound revealed suspicious lesions in the prostate. Additionally, the patient reported frequent, painful, and difficult urination, along with poor ventilation in his left lung. A prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan suggested cancer, showing scattered abnormal signal nodes in both sides of the pelvis and the sacrum, indicating a risk of bone metastasis.

Image of transperineal targeted biopsy. Photo: Hospital provided

To achieve an accurate diagnosis, doctors employed a transperineal targeted biopsy, a technique adopted from Europe. While biopsies can be performed via various routes, experts consider the transperineal targeted biopsy to be safer and to reduce the risk of infection compared to the previously used transrectal biopsy method, due to its anatomical characteristics.

The patient was subsequently diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma, exhibiting neural invasion, stage IV, with metastatic lesions in both the lungs and bones. Doctors initiated an individualized treatment plan involving endocrine therapy (androgen deprivation therapy) to control the growth of prostate cancer cells. The patient responded well to the medication.

Doctors commend the application of advanced diagnostic imaging techniques in the treatment of cancer, particularly prostate cancer. These advancements increase diagnostic accuracy, allow for precise targeting of lesions, and reduce the risk of infection. This technique is safe and particularly suitable for elderly patients and those with multiple risk factors.

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy, ranking as the fifth most common cancer in men, according to Globocan statistics from 2022. The disease progresses silently, and by the time symptoms such as difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, or blood in the urine appear, the cancer has often spread extensively.