On May 18, an 82-year-old man was diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer following a medical evaluation triggered by new urinary symptoms. According to his care team, the cancer has been classified as high-grade but remains hormone-sensitive, meaning several effective treatment options are still available.
The diagnosis came as a surprise. Just a year ago, the patient’s routine health exams had revealed no significant concerns. A small skin lesion identified during a 2023 biopsy was diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma, a common and typically slow-growing form of skin cancer. It was successfully removed, and no further issues had been noted—until the recent onset of urinary changes prompted further investigation.
Imaging studies and lab results now show that the prostate cancer has spread to bones in certain areas, but encouragingly, there is no current evidence of disease in nearby lymph nodes or other major organs. This distinction is important, as it plays a significant role in determining the scope and intensity of treatment.
Doctors are now evaluating a comprehensive care plan that includes hormone therapy—often the first line of treatment for this type of cancer—as well as targeted radiation and other supportive therapies. The goal is to manage the disease while maintaining the patient’s quality of life. Given his age and overall health, the care team is also carefully considering the patient’s personal values and long-term preferences when discussing next steps.
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