Prostate Cancer An overview

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system which is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the prostrate tissue. It’s estimated that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men (after lung cancer). One reason for this may lie in the fact that prostate cancer is an insidious disease, without very specific symptoms.
In most cases prostate cancer grows very slowly. In fact, the changes in the cells may start 10 to 30 years before the tumor gets big enough to produce symptoms. Due to the slow progression, by the time symptoms are clearly manifest, the cancer can be in advanced stage due to the distant metastasis. Once the cancer spreads to the adjacent tissues and/or organs, it can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the invaded organ.
It’s possible to live with prostate cancer for many years without experiencing any symptoms. When the symptoms do occur, they usually include urinary problems and pain – among others as listed below. It is important, however, to keep in mind that these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases related to the prostate.
§ Need to urinate frequently, particularly at night;
§ Difficulties in starting urination or in holding back urine;
§ A weak and/or interrupted flow of urine;
§ Pain or burning sensation when urinating;
§ Erectile dysfunction;
§ Pain when ejaculating;
§ Blood in urine or in semen;
§ Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

Diagnosis and Prognosis
The presence of these symptoms doesn’t, however, replace the need of screening for prostate cancer. The actual screening for prostate cancer is very important. Clinical data suggests that early detection, for instance through screening, increases the chances of effective treatment.
Screening for prostrate cancer involves two different tests: the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and the digital rectal exam. Although just one of these tests can be used, using both tests leads to a more accurate result. Both are really simple tests, and the actual screening for prostate cancer is something that can be performed quickly and easily.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t keep the patient from doing yet another test: the biopsy. During the biopsy, a sample of damaged tissue is removed and analyzed in laboratory by a pathologist to determine the Gleason score range. The Gleason score describes the extent of tumor spread. Two biopsy techniques can be employed in prostrate cancer diagnosis, namely: the Transrectal Biopsy (usually done using a transrectal ultrasound) and the Transperineal Biopsy (a needle is inserted between the scrotum and rectum, then into the prostate. This process allows the pathologist to understand the grade and stage of prostate cancer, an understanding which can then be employed in developing an effective treatment plan. Due to differences in grades and stages of prostate cancer, its treatment must be individualized and discussed closely with the patient.
It’s also important keep in mind that there are some other factors that have influence in treatment options and in prognosis (i.e. chance of patient recovery). An example of these factors is the stage of the cancer when it’s diagnosed. Another factor that influences the treatment options and prognosis is the extent to which tissues are affected (part or whole prostate), and whether it has already spread to other tissues and/or organs. Other factors that influence treatment options and prognosis are the age of the patient, his general state of heath, and whether it’s a first prostate cancer diagnosis or a recurrence.
The underlying causes of prostate cancer (the reasons behind the abnormal growth of cells in the prostrate gland) are still unknown to the scientific community. What is clearly known, however, is that the prevalence of this cancer is highest in men over 50, with close relatives with (or who had) prostate cancer or with several women in their family who have (or have had) breast cancer. Prostrate cancer also shows a high prevalence in men who take a diet high in fat and who those who are overweight.

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