Signs of Prostate Cancer

The male reproductive system comprises the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. The prostate performs a variety of functions. These include producing fluid that nourishes and moves sperm and secreting prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which helps maintain sperm fluid and helps regulate urination. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among males, after skin cancer. 

In 2020, approximately 1,414,259 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer worldwide. Prostate cancer causes about 34,700 deaths.

This blog will help you understand common signs and prostate cancer symptoms, its different stages, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and associated risk factors. 

What is Prostate Cancer and its Different Stages?

Prostate cancer is the term used for cancer that arises in the prostate. The seminal fluid, which feeds and carries sperm, is produced by the prostate, a little gland in men that resembles a walnut.

Prostrate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in males. A large number of prostate tumours are slow-growing and localised to the prostate gland, where they might not do much damage. In contrast, aggressive forms of prostate cancer can spread swiftly, while slow-growing varieties may require little or no therapy at all.

Prostate Cancer Stages

During staging, a physician determines the extent of cancer cell progression and potential metastasis. One protein that is elevated in the circulation when there is a prostate issue is called PSA. Doctors may establish the stage using the Gleason score and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Due to their variable behaviour, cancer cells may be classified using the Gleason method, which can also aid in determining the stage.

Stage One of Prostate Cancer

• Although there are malignant cells in this stage of prostate cancer, the tumor is tiny and limited to one location. 
• The PSA level is less than 10 nanograms per milliliter or ng/ml. Gleason's score is 6, and the grade is 1.

Stage two of Prostate Cancer

• In stage 2 prostate cancer, there may not be a tumor detected by medical testing since the disease has not progressed outside the prostate gland. 
• The range of the PSA score is 10–20 ng/ml. A stage 2 tumor in its early stages is grade 1, which increases to 3 in later stages. 

Stage three of Prostate Cancer

• Cancer in this stage progresses outside of the prostate gland. It could have made it to the glands known as seminal vesicles, which emit a substance that contributes to semen. 
• Any number above 20 ng/ml can be the PSA. After stage 3, the grade group is up to 9–10. Initially, it is 1-4.

Stage four of Prostate Cancer

• By the time cancer reaches stage 4, it migrates to adjacent organs like the bladder, rectum, or lymph nodes, among other places. It may have also extended to distant organs like the liver or bones.
• Metastatic prostate cancer is the term used to describe prostate cancer that has spread to other regions of the body. 
• The grade group, Gleason score, and PSA levels can all be higher at this stage.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer 

Prostate cancer symptoms vary in each individual. The majority of males show no symptoms at all. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following signs of prostate cancer:

• Difficulty beginning to urinate.
• Weak or sporadic urine flow.
• Often urinating, particularly at night.
• Difficulty in fully emptying the bladder.
• Burning or pain during urinating.
• Blood in the semen or pee.
• Persistent pain in the hips, pelvis, or back.
• Unpleasant ejaculation.

Remember, illnesses other than prostate cancer may be the source of these symptoms.

Diagnostic Tests to Identify Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can be identified with the help of a biopsy technique. During a biopsy, a little sample of tissue from the prostate is taken out and examined under a microscope to find cancerous cells. Examining the biopsy tissue under a microscope yields a Gleason-grade group. The score shows the likelihood of cancer spreading if it exists. A score of one to five is possible. 

The primary method for prostate cancer diagnosis is a biopsy; however, to ensure that the biopsy is performed correctly, a physician may employ other methods. Such as,

• Transrectal Ultrasonography - A sonogram, or image of the prostate, is produced via transrectal ultrasonography, which involves inserting a finger-sized probe into the rectum and using high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to bounce off the prostate.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - MRI is used more frequently in prostate cancer diagnosis and staging. MRI creates detailed pictures of the prostate without using ionizing radiation. A prostate MRI allows doctors to look for suspicious areas in the gland that may indicate cancer.

Treatment Options 

There are several prostate cancer treatment options available. A physician determines the best course of prostate cancer treatment based on the cancer stage. The therapies include,

• Expectant Supervision - Doctors can advise against treating prostate cancer right away if they believe it will not spread soon. Alternatively, you have two options for waiting to see whether you have any symptoms:
  • Vigilant Observation - Keeping a close eye on prostate cancer by doing routine prostate biopsies and PSA testing and only treating the disease if it worsens or exhibits symptoms.
  • Cautiously Waiting - Nothing is tested. Your doctor takes care of any symptoms as soon as they appear. 
• Surgery - A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate is removed. Both the prostate and the seminal vesicle glands are removed during a radical prostatectomy.
• Radiation Treatment - It involves using X-ray-like high-energy radiation to eradicate the cancer. Radiation treatment comes in two varieties: 
  • External Radiation Therapy - External equipment directs Radiation to the cancer cells.
  • Internal Radiation Therapy or Brachytherapy - To eradicate the cancer cells, radioactive seeds or pellets are surgically inserted into or close to the malignancy.
• Chemotherapy - It involves using specialised medications to treat cancer that has spread to other bodily areas to reduce or eradicate it. The medications can be administered intravenously (IV) as tablets, or occasionally both.

Risk Factors and How to Prevent Prostate Cancer? 

The following are some factors that may raise your risk of prostate cancer:

Older Age

Age directly contributes to the increased risk of prostate cancer. After age 50, it becomes more prevalent.

Race

For unexplained causes, black people are more prone to prostate cancer than those of other races. Prostate cancer is also more aggressive or progressed in Black individuals.

Family History

The risk of prostate cancer gets elevated if a parent, sibling, child, or other blood relative has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

Obesity 

Research on the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer suggests that obese individuals may be more susceptible to the disease than those having healthy weight.

Wrapping Up, 

Prostate cancer is frequently treatable with early detection and care. Based on prostate cancer risk factors, a healthcare professional can advise a patient on the optimal screening regimen. They can advise on the most effective course of action depending on how aggressive or slowly your cancer is progressing.

Find advanced prostate cancer treatment and diagnosis at Apollo Spectra Hospital. Benefit from a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs, incorporating the latest cancer treatment advances. Contact us for a comprehensive prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.