Prostate Cancer
Cancer of the Prostate
Many parts of the body can be attacked by cancer, including the lungs, intestines, rectum, breast, bones, or prostate. Prostate cancer develops as a malignant tumour that starts in the prostate gland. There is a possibility of the cancer spreading from the prostate to the lymph nodes, other organs or bones through metastasis. This is the second most common type of cancer in men, which can lead to death.
However, with the improvement of medicine, survival rates in patients have improved considerably. The cause of prostate cancer has never been found, however, there are some risk factors that induce prostate cancer. It has been found that with the increase of age, the risk of prostate cancer tends to increase. Having family members with prostate cancer increases the risk of developing prostate cancer yourself. Statistical evidence tells us that the risk of prostate cancer is higher for African-American men than what it is for Caucasian men. Obesity is another factor which predisposes men more to prostate cancer.
No particular symptoms present for prostate cancer. However, with the progression of prostate cancer, lower back, upper thigh and pelvic pain seems to manifest more. When prostate cancer is in an advanced stage, further complications are evidenced, such as increased frequency in urination, interrupted flow and difficulty in stopping or starting urinating, blood in the urine or semen as well as a feeling of burning.
It is suggested that men over the age of 50 should take a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every year, along with a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to determine the presence of prostate cancer. 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. Men having PSA levels higher than 4ng/mL have a higher chance of prostate cancer. However, sometimes men with low PSA levels may contract prostate cancer; this will be subject to the man’s normal PSA level. If it was always on the higher side, then there is not much to worry about; 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.
The doctor suggests treatment for prostate cancer depending on its severity. 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.
Subject to how acute the situation is, this will determine whether or not surgery is performed to remove the prostate and surrounding lymph glands. 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.
However, since prostate cancer attacks older men, they are usually advised watchful waiting. 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/