Prostate cancer is a neoplasm that is diagnosed increasingly often. For many years, it may be asymptomatic, so its prevention and regular screening tests are necessary. Its early detection is associated with good prognosis. Learn possible symptoms of prostate cancer and available methods for its treatment.
The prostate is a gland that is present only in men. After 30 years of age, it starts to grow, and this is a natural process. Initially, there are no specific signs of prostate cancer, so men who are genetically predisposed to that disease and are older, should monitor their body more thoroughly. When prostate cancer is detected early, there is a chance even for complete cure. According to statistics, when cancer has not spread outside the prostate gland, there is nearly 100% chance for surviving 5 years. In this article, you will read about the latest methods for prostate cancer treatment.
What does prostate cancer do to a man?
The prostate gland is a male organ located in the lesser pelvis, near the urinary bladder. It produces semen required for fertilisation. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. Its incidence rises every year, and this may also be associated with a higher awareness among men and an increasing number of tests for this disease.
After 30 years of age, the prostate starts to grow. The rate of this process depends on individual predispositions, so it is faster in some men, and slower in the other. The benign hyperplasia is not dangerous to men and does not cause any discomfort. However, when the prostate gland becomes too large, problems with urinating may appear, manifested as changes in the urine stream strength, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, and urinary incontinence. If you have noticed any of these symptoms in yourself, you should consult an urologist, to expand diagnostic tests and examinations, and to initiate necessary treatment.
You should know what prostate cancer is, as it may develop for many years before any of its signs become apparent. A careful monitoring of your body will help to accelerate the diagnostic process and initiate the necessary treatment. Prostate cancer develops slowly, frequently for over 10 years.
What are the main symptoms of prostate cancer?
At the early stage, signs of prostate cancer are usually invisible, and it can only be detected by regular tests. Men usually see their doctor when they notice in themselves:
- problems with urinating (e.g. too frequent use of the toilet);
- changes in the urine stream;
- blood in urine or semen;
- osteoarticular pains;
- erectile disorders;
- body weight loss without dieting and exercises.
It may also be necessary to stop urinating several times, as well as a need to use the toilet urgently. Sometimes, in its more advanced form, prostate cancer may cause urinary retention in the bladder that leads to problems with kidneys.
However, it should be remembered that development of one or several of those signs does not necessarily must mean prostate cancer. There are many other diseases that may be associated with problems with urinating or weight loss. It is very important not only to expand the diagnostic tests when you notice any worrying changes, but also preventive actions. Men, especially those over 40 years of age, should undergo regular prostate examinations. Apart from rectal examination, which is unpleasant for many men, you may have an abdominal ultrasound scan, to view this organ thoroughly.
At its advanced stage, prostate cancer has more intense and specific symptoms that include:
- burning during urination;
- erectile disorders;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- pain and rectal bleeding;
- pain in the groin and lumbar region.
Prostate gland cancer may also spread to other organs, so enlarged lymph nodes, pain in lower limbs, pressure on the spine or coagulation disorders, are also a red flag.
Prostate cancer – how to react?
Prostate cancer causes have not been fully understood yet, although it is most common in men over 70 years of age. If there is a history of prostate cancer in the family in the interview, you should also treat regular testing seriously. Genetic predispositions may be one of factors contributing to development of this cancer. If you are in the risk group, the chance for developing prostate cancer increases several times.
The basis method for detecting prostate cancer is determining of PSA levels. PSA is a cancer marker that may imply this disease. It should be remembered, however, that its levels are also elevated in cases of slight hyperplasia of this gland, as well as during prostatitis. A positive result should be confirmed with a diagnostic ultrasound.
Prostate cancer causes include factors that can be controlled by every man. A diet poor in vegetables and fruit, alcohol abuse, smoking, and untreated infections may increase a risk of cancer cells development. A higher incidence rate can also be observed in men with a darker skin. In obese people, prostate cancer may have a more rapid course, and the likelihood of the disease recurrence is also higher, therefore, maintaining a healthy body weight is important for maintaining health.
New treatments for prostate cancer
However, new treatments for prostate cancer are continuously discovered. The method is selected individually for a patient, taking into account his age, the disease stage, the risk assessment, and prognosis. Usually, one of the methods is used, selected from surgical resection of the prostate, radiotherapy and chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Surgical resection of the prostate is usually performed in men with a good prognosis, exceeding 10 years, when the gland is not too large yet. Radiotherapy is a method used to treat elderly men, without metastases or with cancer located within the prostate. Hormonal therapies can be applied individually or as a part of the combined therapy. Frequently, testicles are removed to reduce testosterone production, or medicines are administered that reduce the effect of that hormone on cancer cells.
New treatments for prostate cancer emerge more and more frequently, like a method using ultrasounds to treat the disease. High energy waves are precisely directed at a site with cancer cells. A beam of ultrasounds destroys the cells causing prostate cancer, without damaging other structures in their vicinity. With this procedure, it is possible to avoid a surgery for prostate cancer.
Can prostate cancer be cured?
The prostate cancer prognosis is relatively good, although everything depends on the cancer stage, the selected treatment method, and the man’s age and health status. The Gleason score, that is, a parameter determining a malignancy level of this cancer, is used to establish chances for curing. The score is provided on a scale from 2 to 10. The score of up to 5 means a low risk of cancer spreading and developing, while the score above 8 means that this risk is high. However, most cases score 6 or 7, meaning that the risk is moderate.
It is not the only method for specifying the prostate cancer prognosis, however, it may be helpful when selecting an appropriate treatment method. You should discuss this issue with your doctor, as well as consider all pros and cons of these methods.
Concluding, early detected prostate cancer is associated with good prognosis. Regular tests and examinations are very important, especially, when there is a history of that disease in your family. Currently, there are several treaments available for this cancer, but it is a doctor who makes a decision, taking many variables into account.