Clinicopathological features and prevalence of prostate cancer in Aseer, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and characterize prostate cancer (PC) cases in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study involved 883 patients who consulted physicians in Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, for prostate issues between the years 2008-2018. All patients underwent digital rectal examination and measurement of their serum prostate-specific antigen levels. For patients who presented abnormal digital rectal examination findings and elevated prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate biopsies were recommended. Specimens were histopathologically examined to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors. RESULTS: Among the 883 included patients, 132 (15%) underwent a prostate biopsy and were found to have a tumor. Histopathological examination confirmed malignancy (PC) in 77 (8.7%) patients. The absolute majority of the patients diagnosed with PC (96%) were aged >60 years and almost all of them (92%) were found to have a high prostate-specific antigen level of >4 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Prostate cancer appears to be a serious disease in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. Further studies aimed at determining the causes of this type of cancer and understanding its mechanisms are warranted.