Prostate Cancer
By: Reckless AlterTotal Views: 58, Word Count: 753,
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate is a gland situated in front of the rectum and underneath the urinary bladder and is present only in males. There are many types of cells in the prostrate and most of the prostrate cancers develop from the gland cells. Some prostrate cancers grow and spread very fast. Many a times, prostate cancer is present in some men but there is no any symptom or signs associated with it and it does not affect their lives.
Precancerous conditions
- Prostate cancer begins with precancerous conditions called as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. There are changes in the cells and those can be seen only under a microscope when a biopsy is done. It increases the chances of getting prostate cancer by 20-30 %.
- Small acinar proliferation increases the chances of getting prostate cancer by 50 %. Repeated biopsy may be needed to confirm and keep a check.
- Proliferative inflammatory atrophy can lea to prostate cancer directly
Prostate cancer symptoms
Early prostate cancer has no visible symptoms and may be detected during a routine check up. Prostate cancer symptoms are similar to many other diseases like prostratic hypertrophy. Prostrate cancer affects gland surrounding the urethra, hence the urine function is affected
- Frequent urination
- Increased urination at night
- Difficulty in starting urinating and the flow is not steady
- Blood in the urine
- Very painful urination
Prostrate cancer may also cause sexual problems during sexual function and performance
- Painful ejaculation
- Difficulty in erection
Advanced stages of prostrate cancer spread to other body parts and cause additional symptoms as the cancer spreads to femur and spinal cord
- Painful bones especially vertebrae, pelvis or ribs
- Leg weakness
- Fecal inconstinence
Prostate cancer causes
There are no specific Prostate cancer causes. The risk factor depends on age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and medication. The chances of developing prostate cancer increases with age and is more common in old men
- A mans genetic background decides his risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk is high in certain racial groups or in case of identical twins
- Amounts of certain food, vitamins and minerals contribute to risk of prostate cancer. Lower levels of vitamin D, synthetic vitamin A may cause prostate cancer
- Certain medicines, medical procedures and medical conditions have links to prostate cancer
- Infection of sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis increase the risk of prostate cancer
- Obesity and elevated blood levels of testosterone
Prostate cancer treatment
- Prostate cancer treatment options are available and Prostate cancer surgery is one of them. It is called as radical or total prostatectomy
- Radiation therapy to stop and damage cancerous cells
- Hormonal treatment to decrease the stimulation due to testosterone
- Cryotherapy is used to freeze the cells and kill them
- Chemotherapy is used as palliative treatment
- Lycopene in tomatoes and mineral selenium in diet have known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer prevention
There is no specific method of Prostate cancer prevention. At present, only the spread and severity can be prevented by early diagnosis.
Prostate cancer is commonly seen in men. This article, gives detailed information about what is prostate cancer, prostate cancer symptoms, prostate cancer causes and prostate cancer treatments.
About the Author
Dr. Reckless Alter is graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine as a physician in 1969 and went on to earn his medical degree in 1973. For over 25 years he has been a pioneer in the field of surgery, with a special focus on wellness medicine and hormones for men. Dr. Reckless is currently a board-certified Family Practitioner and a precautionary Medicine specialist. He has helped heal many problems of men through his treatment.
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