Prostate Cancer

The Prostate Gland is a male reproductive organ. It is an apricot-sized, muscular gland and its main function is to secrete prostate fluid which is one of the crucial components of semen. Prostate Cancer occurs in the Prostate Gland.

This is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Prostate Cancer generally a slow growing disease and most of the men with low grade Prostate Cancer can live many years but high grade Prostate Cancer is a rapidly growing disease and can be life threatening if not treated on time.

Normally, Prostate Cancer never shows any specific symptoms at the early stage but at the advanced stage it shows symptoms such as:

• Trouble in urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in semen
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone pain
• Erectile dysfunction

Exact cause of Prostate Cancer is still unknown. Prostate Cancer occurs due to the abnormalities in the cells. These abnormal cells rapidly grow and form a Tumor. Major risk factors include:

• Age
• Race
• Family history
• Obesity

Complications of Prostate Cancer and its treatments include:

• Metastasizes

If Prostate Cancer is not treated properly on time then it can spread to nearby organs like Bladder or travel through bloodstream or lymphatic system to bones. Prostate cancer that spreads to the bones can cause pain and broken bones.

• Incontinence

Both prostate cancer and its treatment can cause Urinary Incontinence.

• Erectile Dysfunction

Prostate Cancer treatments such as Surgery, Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy can cause Erectile Dysfunction.

Early diagnosis is very important to cure Prostate Cancer. Various screening tests include:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this test, doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into patient’s rectum to examine prostate.
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): A blood sample is taken from a vein in patient’s arm and analyzed for PSA. A PSA substance is naturally produced by Prostate Gland.
• Ultrasound: If other tests failed to diagnose properly then doctor can use transrectal ultrasound for further evaluation of Prostate Gland.
• Prostate Biopsy: If initial test suggests prostate cancer then doctor performs Biopsy to collect a sample of cells from prostate.
• Other tests: MRI and PET scanning are also helpful to diagnose Prostate Cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy treatment is used to stop body from producing the male hormone testosterone. A Testosterone helps Prostate Cancer cells to grow fast. Hormone therapy cuts the supply of testosterone so that the cancer cells die or grow slowly.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be effective treatment option if prostate cancer has spread to remote body locations. Chemotherapy is also done if Hormone therapy failed to give desired results. In Chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill rapidly growing cancerous cells.

Prostate Cancer patient should not afraid of disease. Instead he should take proper treatment from experienced and skillful cancer surgeon. Prostate Cancer is preventable or risk of prostate cancer can be prevented by adapting healthy habits such as eating fresh fruits and vegetable, doing daily exercises, maintaining healthy weight and avoiding smoking as well as alcohol.