Prostate Irregularities: Recognizing Signs, Treatment Options, and Underlying Roots
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer affecting males, second only to skin cancer in prevalence among American men [1]. This disease develops when specific changes occur in the glandular cells of the prostate, a gland situated between the penis and the bladder [2].
The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. Age is a key factor, as the risk of prostate cancer increases with age [3]. A family history of prostate cancer also increases an individual's chances of developing the disease [4]. Genetic factors, such as changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, may also contribute to the risk [5].
Prostate cancer often presents with a variety of symptoms. These may include difficulty starting and maintaining urination, a frequent urge to urinate, a weak urine stream, blood in the urine or semen, painful urination or ejaculation, pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, and tiredness [2].
In advanced (stage 4 or metastatic) prostate cancer, symptoms often persist and worsen, including increased urgency to urinate, especially at night, weak, slow, or interrupted urinary flow, trouble starting or fully emptying the bladder, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or semen, accidental leakage or urinary incontinence, and inability to urinate in severe cases [6]. Erectile dysfunction is also common due to the tumor's growth or treatment side effects [6]. Bone-related symptoms, such as persistent pain in the hips, back, chest, ribs, or pelvis, and increased risk of bone fractures, may occur when cancer spreads to bones [6].
Diagnosis typically involves a digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and potentially a biopsy [7]. Routine screening can detect many cases of prostate cancer before they spread [8].
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the cancer stage and other factors. In early stage prostate cancer, watchful waiting or monitoring, surgery, and other treatment options may be considered [9]. Hormonal treatment, such as hormonal blockade therapy or hormonal treatment to decrease androgens (male sex hormones), may be used to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer [10]. Radical prostatectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the prostate tumor along with surrounding tissue, seminal vesicles, and lymph nodes, may also be performed [11]. Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) and external radiation therapy, which uses a machine outside the body to send radiation towards the cancer cells, are additional treatment options [12].
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells but can have adverse effects [13]. Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or substances to attack specific cancer cells, and immunotherapy, which boosts the body's natural defenses to fight cancer, are other treatment options [14].
It's essential to note that fertility may be affected by prostate cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal blockade treatment [15].
Early detection and symptom management can significantly improve quality of life and treatment outcomes. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
References: [1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). What Is Prostate Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html [3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html [4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Family History and Prostate Cancer Risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors/family-history.html [5] American Cancer Society. (2021). Genetic Mutations and Prostate Cancer Risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors/genetic-mutations.html [6] American Cancer Society. (2021). Symptoms of Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/symptoms.html [7] American Cancer Society. (2021). Diagnosing Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html [8] American Cancer Society. (2021). Screening for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening.html [9] American Cancer Society. (2021). Treating Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/treating.html [10] American Cancer Society. (2021). Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/hormone-therapy.html [11] American Cancer Society. (2021). Surgery for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/surgery.html [12] American Cancer Society. (2021). Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/radiation-therapy.html [13] American Cancer Society. (2021). Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy.html [14] American Cancer Society. (2021). Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/targeted-therapy-and-immunotherapy.html [15] American Cancer Society. (2021). Fertility and Prostate Cancer Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/fertility.html
- Men are more susceptible to prostate cancer, which is the second most common type of cancer among American males, second only to skin cancer.
- The risk of developing prostate cancer increases significantly with age.
- A family history of prostate cancer increases an individual's chances of getting the disease.
- Genetic factors, such as changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, may contribute to the risk of prostate cancer.
- Prostate cancer can present with a variety of symptomatic signs, including difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and back pain.
- In advanced stages of prostate cancer, patients may experience persistent pain in the hips, back, chest, ribs, or pelvis, and an increased risk of bone fractures.
- Diagnosis of prostate cancer typically involves a digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and possibly a biopsy.
- The predictive ability of routine screenings is high in detecting many cases of prostate cancer before they spread.
- Treatment options for prostate cancer, which may affect fertility, include watchful waiting, surgery, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
