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We currently have 11 urologists with a variety of interests and specialties in the field of Urology. Choose a physician listed on the right to learn more about that specific physician. You can also call our office or complete the Request a Consultation form on this page to speak directly with one of our staff who can help to schedule you with a physician to meet your needs.
DR. BRIAN
BILLMEYER
Dr. Billmeyer grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended the University of Iowa and graduated with highest distinction with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. He was selected for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. EDWARD “TED”
CAPOCCIA
Dr. Capoccia was born and raised in Kansas City. He attended the University of Kansas for his undergraduate education and majored in human biology. He completed his medical school training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
DR. TYLER
EMLEY
Dr. Emley was born in Michigan and grew up in New Hampshire. He graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University/Bloomington in 1995 with degrees in Biology and Sociology. He was selected for the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. PRIYANKA
KUMAR
Dr. Kumar grew up in Crown Point, IN and graduated from Merrillville High School before pursuing a degree in Biology, with a minor in business administration from the University of Southern Indiana.
DR. KEVIN
PARIKH
Dr. Parikh grew up in Schererville, Indiana. After graduating as valedictorian from Lake Central High School, he went on to Indiana University where he obtained a business degree from the Kelley School of Business and minors in both chemistry and biology.
DR. ADAM
PERLMUTTER
Dr Perlmutter grew up on Long Island, New York. He majored in biology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
DR. MANOJ
RAO
Dr. Rao was born in Chicago and grew up in Olympia Fields, Illinois. He attended Saint Louis University for his undergraduate studies as both a Pre Medical and Presidential Scholar.
DR. RYAN
SWEARINGEN
Dr. Swearingen grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated with honors, with a major in economics and a minor in chemistry. He was selected in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. RAMESH
UNNI
Dr. Unni was born in Maywood, Illinois. He grew up in Crown Point, IN and attended St. Mary’s School and Andrean High School locally before pursuing a degree in economics at Northwestern University.
DR. TED
VELLOS
Dr. Vellos was born and raised in Orland Park, Illinois where he graduated from Carl Sandburg High school. He attended Loyola University Chicago for both undergraduate and medical schools obtaining degrees in Chemistry and Economics and earning Honors in research.
DR. BRUCE
YALOWITZ
Prostate cancer is any cancer affecting the prostate, the male gland, that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Most prostate cancers are prone to slow growth. However, some can grow rapidly and can spread quickly to other organs.
The best chance for effective treatment of prostate cancer starts with early detection, meaning before it has spread beyond the prostate gland itself. This is the rationale behind the recommendation that men undergo regular prostate exams starting at the age of 50 or earlier if there is a family history or in certain populations.
In its early stages, prostate cancer can have no noticeable symptoms and may only be detected by an elevated PSA level (blood test) or nodule on rectal exam. In more advanced cases, symptoms can develop such as:
While these symptoms are found in many other urological conditions, patients with these symptoms should consider prostate cancer screening.
Prostate cancer can lead to a variety of complications. As the cancer metastasizes, it can spread to the bone, lymph nodes or other organs through the blood or lymphatic system.
Men with prostate cancer can develop urinary incontinence both from the condition itself as well as some of its treatments. Erectile dysfunction is another possible complication due to treatment.
Prostate cancer treatments depend mainly on the PSA level, stage and grade (aggressiveness) of the cancer. Doctors determine the aggressiveness from biopsy. Genetic testing of the cancer cells may indicate if gene mutations are present and give insight into which treatment method will be most effective. PSA is a blood test. Stage is determined by physical examination and sometimes imaging with CT scan and/or bone scan.
In some cases of prostate cancer, a urologist may opt for active surveillance rather than immediate treatment. That would include regular exams, PSA testing as well as intermittent prostate biopsies (often at 1-3 year intervals) and potentially MRI of the prostate to see if the prostate cancer is growing.
Surgery can be done in many cases to remove the prostate gland, some surrounding tissue and possibly lymph nodes. Surgeons can often perform a prostatectomy using minimally invasive surgery with robotic instruments. Other options include freezing affected tissue or blocking testosterone through drugs to slow or shrink the cancer.
Radiation therapy is another option for treatment of prostate cancer and in most cases achieves similar cancer control rates to surgery. This is done by a radiation oncologist. It may include blockage of testosterone with oral or injectable medications to improve outcomes.
Immunotherapy, and chemotherapy are all potential treatments, primarily when cancer has spread. These treatments may carry side effects.
Most medical organizations recommend screening for men in their 50s and 60s with screening starting earlier in high risk groups. There is some controversy over the benefits of the frequency of screening. This should be shared decision making between the patient and their physician
Prostate cancer most often occurs in men over 50 years old. Family history of prostate cancer also raises the risk, along with specific gene mutations or disease states known also for causing an increased risk of breast cancer.
Some simple measures may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Eating a lower fat, lower total caloric healthy diet with fruits and vegetables improves health in general and may reduce the risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is a measure that can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The decision to proceed with a vasectomy is a very personal one.
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We are now offering Telehealth visits in addition to in-office visits.
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