Prostate Cancer- Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment?

Cancer that occurs in the prostate- which is a small walnut-shaped gland located in the pelvic region in men, located next to the bladder, and is responsible for transporting and production of sperm- is known as prostate cancer. It is one of the most common types of cancers in men and can be treated during initial stages as it spreads slowly and stays confined to the prostate area until it reaches the final stages. If the condition is detected early on, the chances of successfully treating it are higher.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

During its initial stages, prostate cancer generally shows no signs or symptoms but can be detected during a digital rectal exam. However, as it advances, one might experience the following symptoms;

• Difficulty in urinating
• Erectile dysfunction
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain while urinating
• Pain in hips, thighs, or lower back
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• The decrease in the force of the urine stream
• Presence of blood in semen
• Discomfort in the pelvic region
• Bone pain

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Even today, there is no evidence as to what causes this type of cancer. However, we do know that when a few cells in the prostate gland become abnormal, it can lead to the growth of cancerous cells because mutations in the DNA of the abnormal cells lead to the development and division of the cells quite rapidly. This causes the normal cells to die, while the abnormal cells live on. As these abnormal cells get accumulated, it causes a tumour, which can attack the tissues nearby and also other parts of the body.

What Are The Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer?

Age - Prostate cancer doesn’t usually occur in men who are below the age of 40 and the chances of getting affected increases as one grows older because the chances of abnormal cells in the prostate is more likely to occur after the age of 55.

Ethnicity - There is no concrete evidence to show us why but black men are at a greater risk of prostate cancer when compared to men of other races. Also, in black men, this cancer can be aggressive.

Family History - Men with a family history of prostate cancer are also at risk. If one’s father or brother had it, the risk factor becomes higher.

Smoking - According to studies, it is seen that men who smoke excessively are at risk of contracting this disease. However, once you quit, it takes about ten years for the risk of this cancer to go down. Being overweight is also seen as a risk factor.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer

There are two types of screening tests for prostate cancer;

Digital Rectal Exam: During this exam, the doctor inserts a gloved and well-lubricated finger inside the rectum to check for any abnormalities because the prostate is located next to the rectum. If any abnormalities are found, the doctor might suggest further tests.

PSA or Prostate-Specific Antigen Test: Generally, if a tiny amount of PSA, which is a substance produced by the prostate, is present in your bloodstream, it is considered to be normal. However, after drawing your blood, if it is seen that the PSA is high, it may suggest the presence of cancerous cells. Other reasons why the amount of PSA increases include inflammation and infection.

After the initial screening, if the doctor wants to examine further for more conclusive results then he or she might opt for;

Ultrasound: A small cigar-like ultrasound tool is inserted in the rectum and using sound waves, this probe replicates the picture of the prostate gland, making it possible for the doctor to see if there are any abnormalities.

Collection of Tissue: Your doctor can also recommend a prostate biopsy, where a thin needle is inserted into the prostate gland to collect tissue to further analyze it for the presence of cancerous cells.

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will then check to see if cancer has spread and might conduct additional tests to check for the same. These tests include;

• Bone scan
• Ultrasound
• MRI Scan
• CT Scan
• PET Scan

Treatment Offered For Prostate Cancer

Treatments are, however, recommended for cancers that spread aggressively and are life-threatening. The treatment is finalized by your healthcare provider based on;

• The stage of the cancer
• The risk of cancer, whether it is low or high
• Age
• Health

If you ever experience any symptoms related to prostate cancer, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. He or she will then suggest the proper course of screening and treatment if required. Ignoring the symptoms will only aggravate the condition and can be dangerous in the future.