Prostate Cancer is a Complex Condition
Prostate cancer is a complex condition that hinders the functioning of the prostate gland. In addition, the prostate is a vital element of the male reproductive system.
During prostate cancer, the cells that make up the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably. Like other types of cancer, this too occurs due to genetic mutation. The cancerous cells from prostate gland can spread to the other parts of the body as well. Especially bones and lymph nodes are affected in a severe fashion.
Prostate cancer is one of the common types of cancers. In fact, in the United States this cancer accounts for the second highest number of deaths after lung cancer. However, the occurrence varies from country to country.
The highest incidence of prostate cancer is in the United States, and the lowest is in South and East Asian countries. Men at or above 50 years of age are more prone to getting prostate cancer.
Prostate Symptoms
Prostate is the part of the male reproductive system, which secretes and develops the seminal fluid. However, in the early stages prostate cancer does not show any symptoms. In most cases, it is diagnosed, because of an elevated PSA, at the time of a routine checkup. In the later stages, it starts appearing. As prostate gland surrounds prostatic urethra, it affects the urinary as well as sexual functions. Some external symptoms are given below that can be easily noticed are;
• Increase in urination especially during night
• Increase in frequency of urination
• Difficulty and pain during urination
• Traces of blood in urine
• Unsteady flow of urine
• Painful ejaculation
• Difficulties in achieving erection
Apart from these symptoms as prostatic cancer can spread to bone, lymph nodes and other body parts as well. Therefore, at such stages bone pain particularly in vertebrae, ribs and pelvis is common. Prostate cancer can affect and compress spinal chord, which causes weakness in limbs along with fecal and urinary incontinences.
If these symptoms are experienced by anybody, it is important for them to consult a doctor. Biopsy is the only sure test available at this moment to diagnose prostate cancer. Some other things like cystoscopy, transrectal ultrasonography, etc can be helpful.
Prostate cancer develops very slowly and can remain undetected for very long times. Therefore, if it is detected at the right time it may be treatable.
Treatment is done through watchful waiting, radiation therapy that also includes brachytherapy, surgery, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, cryosurgery, and chemotherapy, hormonal therapy. Rather than relying on just one of these therapies, a combination of two or more of these is used.
The selection of treatment or treatment combination depends upon several factors like symptoms, state of development, severity, health of the patient, etc. Nomograms are useful to predict whether the cancer has spread to other parts as well.
There are several things, which are helpful in preventing prostate cancer. Vitamin E and selenium are two dietary supplements, which should be taken daily. Estrogens from plant sources like fermented soybean, etc, also are helpful. Medications like ‘selective estrogen receptor modulator drug toreminfene’, is proposed to be effective. Taking multivitamins and frequent masturbation also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
