A Boston urologist warned here Friday that about one out of every five men over 50 years of age has or will develop cancer of the prostate gland.
And since people are living longer in this country, the problem is an important one, added Dr. Wyland Leadbetter, who heads the urology department of the Massachusetts General hospital.
Dr, Leadbetter was a featured speaker Friday at an annual .convention of the Louisiana State Urological Society, which opened a two-day session at the Royal Or-tons hotel.
The urologist said if cancer of tht prostate is found early it is durable; that diagnosis can be f^iade or suspected by means of a simple examination.
NO SYMPTOMS
I '/Total removal of the prostate gland in its early stages is the only real treatment," Dr, Lead-better added. "If the disease is riot found early the patient can-j?ot be cured. There is treatment, however, which helps to make the patient more connortable; helps extend his useful life."
-The urologist said in its early stages prostate cancer has no symptoms; that by the tinie back p&ins develop the patient has allowed the cancer to pass early itages.
""Thafs why it is important that £yery man over 50 be examined by a physican at least once a year," he added.
Dr. Leadbetter said the purpose Of this talk at the convention was £6 stimulate more interest in doctors in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
'new treatment
, Newer methods of treatment, Added the urologist, include radical surgery in properly selected cases and use of radio-active isotopes to relieve pain in patients ering from extensive bony involvement.
Dt. Leadbetter said radical surgery includes removal of the prostate, the bladder and involved lymph nodes.
. "Up to 15 years ago we didn't have any very satisfactory treatment," explained the urologist. 'Dr. Leadbetter said no chemical has been found which is effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. He said research is usually ineffective because the 4pg is the only animal which ever develops prostate trouble. OTHERS SPEAK "So it gets right back to early :.nosis, plus better use ofj tment now available," he added
Dr. Leadbetter said just because a man has trouble with his prostate gland, it doesn't necessarily follow that he has cancer of the prostate.
"Most men with prostate trouble have benign hypertrophy, which is enlargement of the gknd, "This causes obstruction of passage of urine but has no actual relation to cancer. Such a patient i£' probably in need of a prostatectomy, that is removal of the en-Mrged portion of the prostate."
-Delegates were welcomed by Dr. W. E, Kittredge of New OrLEANS, president of the Louisiana State Urological Society. Local speakers included Dr. Charles E. Cobb and Dr. William Brannan. PHOTO: Dr WYLAND LEADBETTER
