Cancer of the Prostate is a malignant tumor that develops in the prostate gland. A walnut shaped gland found under the bladder, that is part of the male reproductive system. It is the second most common type of cancer in men, after non melanoma skin cancer and the second most common cause of death in USA (after lung cancer). Prostate cancer usually progresses slowly over a long period of time. The risk of getting prostate cancer is increased in men who are above 50 years old.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
As with any other type of cancer, prostate cancer occurs as result of change in DNA of the prostate gland over a period of time. There is no known reason why some men develop prostate cancer while others do not but several risk factors have been associated with the development.
Risks for Prostate Cancer
- Advancing age - 70% of cases occurs in men over 65 years.
- Race
- Family history of the prostate cancer.
- Unhealthy eating habits (men who consume alot of red meat or daily products).
- Studies also shows that men with a gene mutation class of BRCA2 (class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes) are at higher risk of acquiring prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Signs
Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those experienced from other conditions affecting the prostate gland, such as BPH (Bening Prostate Hyperplasia). That is the reason why it is recommended to seek medical help as soon as possible to get the right diagnosis early in the course.
Some of those signs and symptoms are;
Some of those signs and symptoms are;
- Nocturia (frequent urination at night)
- Difficult in initiating urination.
- Urgency (a feeling of a need to urinate).
- Decreased urine flow (urine is less in quantity).
- Incomplete bladder (feeling as if you haven't emptied your bladder after urinating).
- Painful or burning sensation during urination.
- Presence of blood in urine.
- The speed of urine flow is decreased.
- Pain during ejaculation
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
If prostate cancer is diagnosed early in the course of the illness, the likelihood of cure is very high. That is why routine DRE (direct rectal examination and PSA is recommended) for men 50 years and above and young men between 40 and 45 years, who are at a high risk for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is diagnosed through;
- DRE (Digital Rectal Examination)
- Serum PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) - A protein that is produced by prostate gland (both normal and neoplastic prostate gland). Also referred as a tumor marker.
- TRUS (Transrectal ultrasound) with needle biopsy - used to detect non palpable prostate cancer and helps in tumor staging.
Other tests that are performed to detect metastases are:
- Bone x-ray for detecting bone metastases.
- Urography - for detecting changes caused by the ureteral obstruction.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography) - for identifying metastases in the lymph nodes.
- Renal Functions Tests - to measure creatinine levels.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The choice of treatment depends on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, age, patient's preferences, symptoms and other medical conditions. Several surgical procedures are available, that I discussed in my previous article; Prostate Cancer and BPH surgical procedures.
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