Urological Flashcards
How does prostate cancer present?
Can present due to decrease in normal function —> LUTS
Due to local invasion —> haematochezia, haematospermia, haematuria, urinary obstruction and incontinence, erectile dysfunction
Due to METS —> lethargy, anorexia, pain, spontaneous fractures, weight loss
Asymptomatic
What is the role of the prostate?
Secretes proteolytic enzymes into the semen which then prevents sperm from clotting.
What is PSA?
Protease enzyme which is produced by both malignant and normal cells.
When is PSA raised?
It has a low specificity, and variable sensitivity.
It needs to be age adjusted
What causes PSA to be raised?
. Catheter in situ . Prostate cancer . BPH . Acute urinary retention . Prostatitis . Vigorous exercise . Ejaculation . DRE
What would prostate cancer feel like on a DRE?
Enlarged, craggy, nodular, thick and firm.
What should you do if you are suspecting prostate cancer?
PSA levels
If there are abnormal/ rising PSA levels
And/ or a clinically abnormal prostate then refer the patient on a 2 week wait.
What are the investigations done for prostate cancer at the 2WW clinic?
Multi parametric MRI is the gold standard, followed by a biopsy.
What are the two options for biopsy of the prostate?
1= TRUS
Trans rectal US guided core biopsy
2) transperineal
How do Trans recral US guided core biopsy and transperineal biopsies differ?
TRUS: 12 samples taken trans rectally under local anaesthetic, there is a higher risk of infection and pain
Transperineal: under GA, lower risk of infection and easier access to the anterior part of the prostate
What other investigations can be carried out for prostate cancer in secondary care?
PSA density
Free : total PSA ratio
Bloods: FBC, U and Es, LFTs, bone profile
If there is evidence of high grade disease; bone scan, staging CT, MRI
How is prostate cancer staged?
. Gleason + TNM + PSA levels
What is the treatment of prostate cancer?
Staging of prostate cancer can be split into low, intermediate and high.
For low or intermediate risk you can do watchful waiting or active surveillance…
active surveillance includes 3/12 PSA levels, serial DRE and biopsies
Watchful waiting is done in those with significant morbidities or a life expectancy of 10-12 years
It involves- no regular tests, patient presenting when symptomatic, patients can have conservative management for their symptoms.
What is the treatment offered for high risk/intermediate risk prostate cancer?
Radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy are offered with 6 months androgen deprivation therapy.
What are the complications of radical prostectomy?
Recurrence
Erectile dysfunction
Unfertility
Urinary incontinence
What forms can androgen deprivation therapy/hormonal therapy take?
Bilateral orchidectomy
GnRH analogues/LHRH agonists
GnRH antagonists/ LHRH antagonists
When starting someone on GnRH analogues/LHRH agonists, what should you also prescribe?
Give patients 2 weeks of anti androgen drugs in initiation
Also with anti androgen drugs you should give the patient bisphosphonates to prevent osteoporosis.
What is the difference between non visible and visible haematuria?
Non visible haematuria= anything more than a trace of blood on dipstick, this has a 5% risk of malignancy
Visible haematuria= 20% risk of malignancy
What causes false +ves and false -ves on a urine dipstick?
False +ves= exercise, myoglobin
False -ves= vit C intake, heavy proteinuria