Prostate Cancer

Cancer of the Prostate

Cancer can develop in various parts of the body including the lungs, intestines, rectum, breast, bones, or prostate. Cancer of the prostate starts in the prostate gland and then progresses to a malignant tumour. The spread of the cancer from the prostate to the lymph nodes or other organs or bones through a process known as metastasis is always possible. This cancer, which can be fatal, is the second most prevalent one in men.

Although with the progress in science, the rate of survival has increased significantly. Whilst there are certain risk factors for prostate cancer, the actual cause has not yet been discovered. What has been determined is that with the ageing process, the risk of prostate cancer is elevated. Having family members with prostate cancer increases the risk of developing prostate cancer yourself. Statistics show that African-American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Obesity is another factor which predisposes men more to prostate cancer.

There are no specific symptoms for prostate cancer; However, with the progression of prostate cancer, lower back, upper thigh and pelvic pain seems to manifest more. Other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer are complications in urinating like increase in frequency, interrupted flow, finding it difficult to stop or start urinating, presence of blood in the urine or semen, and the presence of pain and a burning sensation.

Men over the age of 50 are recommended to have a prostate-specific antigen 9PSA) blood test every year, as well as a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to check if prostate cancer may be present. In a DRE, the physician tests for an enlarged prostate, lumps or any abnormal texture by inserting a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum.

The prostate cells produce PSA, and with the PSA test, its level in the blood stream is determined. The likelihood of having prostate cancer increases with PSA levels that are above 4ng/mL. However, sometimes men with low PSA levels may contract prostate cancer; it all depends on the normal PSA level of a man. If the level has always been rather elevated then there is no need for a lot of concern; This is one reason to have regular checks of the PSA levels.

It is also possible to diagnose prostate cancer through transrectal ultrasound and biopsies. An accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer is made by a biopsy.

Depending how aggressive or advanced the prostate cancer is, the doctor will recommend various treatments. Some recommendations may be surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or perhaps just wait and see.

Through hormonal therapy, the effect of male hormones like testosterone is blocked to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It must be remembered that this is not a cure; it is simply a management tool.

With the surgical treatment, the prostate gland and surrounding lymph glands are removed, depending on the severity of the condition. It is to be noted that this option may have serious consequences such as hot flashes, decreased libido, impotence and other possible repercussions and ramifications.

Radiotherapy may be advised which involves x-rays passing through an external machine or through radioactive isotopes into the body. The doctor may also suggest chemotherapy where the patient is prescribed medication that is administered either orally or through injections.

A wait and see option is often recommended as prostate cancer most frequently strikes older men. This is best if the tumour is small, is expected to have a low growth rate, or when medical treatment proves to be rather risky and may lead to death. The patient has to be monitored frequently with this treatment, but no treatment is administered. For more information on how to cope with prostate cancer, please visit the Prostate Advice Center at http://www.superior-health.info/Prostate/

Filed under: Prostate Cancer

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