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The urology and oncology experts at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center take a collaborative and thoughtful approach to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Our research-focused clinical methods and advanced technologies provide precise results.

If you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, our specialists work together to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific type and stage of prostate cancer as well as your individual lifestyle needs. We are here to guide you from screening and diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Unfortunately, you can have prostate cancer and not know it. Prostate cancer rarely causes noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, there may be symptoms — some are obvious, while others are more subtle. 

It is important to recognize signs of prostate cancer early. Prostate cancer that has not metastasized (spread) is easier to treat and may require fewer or less invasive interventions.

Prostate Cancer Menu

See your doctor if you experience any new, persistent or unexplained symptoms such as:

 

  • Inability to pass urine
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
  • Needing to urinate often, especially at night
  • Weak urine flow
  • Urine flow that starts and stops
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Difficulty having an erection
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Lower back, hip or upper thigh pain
  • Erectile dysfunction

 

Any of these symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing a particular symptom is to see your physician.

Learn more about prostate cancer symptoms ➝

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Types of Prostate Cancers

The prostate gland in men, made up of connective and glandular tissues, sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. 

More than 95% of prostate cancer cases are adenocarcinomas, affecting glandular cells lining the walls of the prostate. There are also other rare, more aggressive types of prostate cancer, identified by the type of cells affected.

Why Choose Houston Methodist?

Our multidisciplinary team of experts delivers comprehensive, scientifically backed treatment of prostate cancer. We treat many rare and challenging prostate cancers, which equips our team to take on both common and complex cases. Oncology nurse navigators compassionately guide and support you through every stage of prostate cancer care — from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
Accurate Diagnostics & Customized Treatment Plans

Treating your individual cancer — so you can get back to your life.

Oncologists, urologists, prostate surgeons and other specialists work together to deploy a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We use the most advanced diagnostics and treatment options available to treat your cancer as quickly and safely as possible.
Attentive Research & Groundbreaking Technology

Leading research and clinical trials result in novel treatment options for your cancer.

Our pioneering research and our clinical trials result in new therapies developed to beat cancer. Houston Methodist patients may access clinical trials offering potentially promising treatments not yet available to the public.

Ranked #19 in the Nation for Cancer and #27 in the Nation for Urology

Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 19 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for cancer treatment and rated as high performing for prostate cancer.


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Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

If a digital rectal exam or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test indicates the possibility of prostate cancer, your doctor may perform one or more diagnostic tests such as a transrectal ultrasound, a transrectal ultrasound with magnetic resonance image (MRI), or a transrectal biopsy. If biopsy confirms prostate cancer, the next steps can range from monitoring the cancer to treating it — depending on the severity.
How prostate cancer is diagnosed

An Innovative Approach to Treatment

We are committed to superior outcomes, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. The board-certified surgeons at Houston Methodist are highly trained with advanced expertise in treating any complexity of prostate cancer.

If you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, your oncology care team develops a treatment plan that meets the unique characteristics of your type and stage of cancer. We also consider your individual needs and lifestyle.

Diseases of the prostate can cause chronic issues that impact health and quality of life for years. Our medical professionals strive to provide life-altering interventions. Our goal is to treat your cancer and manage your pain, all while preserving healthy tissue and cells. Your care team may use one or more of the following methods to treat and manage your cancer.

More about prostate cancer treatment ➝
 
Hormone Therapy

We sometimes use hormone therapy to treat specific types of cancer that can only grow in the presence of certain hormones, including prostate cancer. This treatment works by depriving cancer cells of the hormones they need to survive, using medications that stop the production of certain hormones, or by removing hormone-producing organs.

Radiation Therapy

Our radiation oncologists are experts in the most innovative radiation therapy techniques. For prostate cancer, we may recommend internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy. External beam radiation therapies sometimes used include intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). 

Surgery

Our urologists perform traditional and robotic prostate cancer surgeries. We offer retzius-sparing robotic prostate cancer surgery, which keeps the bladder intact while the prostate is removed, preserving surrounding tissue. Reconstructive surgery can help restore the structure and some amount of function to areas affected by prostate cancer or prostate cancer treatment.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

We offer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), one of the most advanced prostate cancer treatments available in the U.S. This minimally invasive treatment uses focused ultrasonic waves to generate heat, effectively targeting and destroying cancerous cells in the prostate. Unlike other prostate treatment options, HIFU offers precise ablation with minimal disruption to surrounding healthy tissue, which speeds recovery and reduces side effects and complications.

Houston Methodist Prostate Cancer Specialists

Our highly trained team of prostate cancer specialists includes medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, nurses, nurse navigators and support staff. Their shared decades of experience researching and treating prostate cancers of all stages and types translates into proven clinical methods and improved outcomes. They are dedicated to working together to create a personalized treatment plan to stop your cancer. 

We provide advanced cancer care at eight locations across the Greater Houston area, allowing you or your loved one to receive treatment close to home or work.

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    Prostate Cancer Articles

    On Health Blog — Lifestyle & Wellness
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    Prostate Cancer Education & Awareness

    We recognize that the sheer volume of prostate cancer information out there may feel overwhelming, so we streamlined it below to make it easier for you to digest to make sure you understand what you absolutely need to know.
    • Prostate Cancer Information
    • Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
    • The 4 Stages of Prostate Cancer
    • Prostate Cancer Information

      Prostate Cancer Information

      Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men, making it common compared to other cancers. It is most often diagnosed in men between the ages of 65 and 74. 

      According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025. Prostate cancer accounts for 15.4% of all new cancer diagnoses and 5.8% of all cancer deaths.
    • Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

      Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

      A risk factor is anything that increases your odds of developing prostate cancer. It is important to be aware of your individual risk factors.

      While the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, there are certain things that can make you more at risk for developing this condition. Prostate cancer risk factors include:

       

      • Age – it is most common in men over the age of 50
      • Family history – you are two to three times more likely to develop it if a close family member had it
      • Race/Ethnicity – African American men have a higher incidence rate
      • Genetics – certain genome changes (mutations) or if you inherited mutated genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
      • Diagnosis of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (prostate cells that look abnormal under a microscope)
         
      If possible, ask your father or another close family member about any history of prostate cancer in your family. If you have paternal family members diagnosed with prostate cancer younger than 50 years old, your doctor may administer the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening lab test when you are around the same age as they received the diagnosis.

      One or more risk factors do not guarantee you will develop prostate cancer. At the same time, few or no risk factors do not mean you will not develop prostate cancer.

      Learn more about prostate cancer risk factors ➝
    • The 4 Stages of Prostate Cancer

      The 4 Stages of Prostate Cancer

      If you receive a prostate diagnosis, your oncologist will determine the stage to understand the cancer size, location and metastasis (spread). Cancer staging helps your health care team know what areas of the body are affected and in need of treatment:

       

      • Stage I – Cancer is only located in the prostate and unable to be felt during a rectal exam. Cancer is found in one part of the prostate only.
      • Stage II – Cancer is only located in the prostate and can be felt during a rectal exam. For IIA, cancer is found in one part of the prostate only. For IIB, cancer may be found in both sides of the prostate.
      • Stage III – Cancer has spread outside the prostate and into nearby tissues or the seminal vesicles (the glands that create semen) but not into the lymph nodes. Some men first experience some minor symptoms at this stage.
      • Stage IV – Cancer has spread into lymph nodes, other organs or bones. It is typically at this stage men may experience more noticeable symptoms.

    Prostate Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

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