When cells in the prostate grow out of control they
are capable of spreading throughout the body. These out
of control cells are commonly known as tumors.
Prostate cancer is a slow moving cancer almost all of
the time. In some cases however, it can spread to the
lymph nodes quickly. If a tumor is said to be benign,
it means it has not grown out of control, isn’t
spreading and is not considered life threatening.
Who Is At Risk?
Prostate cancer generally strikes men over the age of 45. All though all men can be at risk, the older you are, the more likely you can be affected by this type of cancer. Most cases are men over the age of 65. In fact, once you hit 60, your chances increase sharply. Age is the most important risk factor for men when it comes to prostate cancer. Although this cancer generally is slow moving, it can advance very quickly in men that are older. It is not uncommon for men in there 80s or beyond to have some type of prostate cancer. If a mans life expectancy is said to be ten years or less, some doctors will choose not to screen for this cancer because it is so slow moving. Biopsies, treatment and surgery can all be hard on the patient. It is hard to tell how fast prostate cancer will spread in an individual.
Important Risk Factors
• Age
• Family history
• High fat diets may raise your risk. A diet rich in lycopene and omega 3 fatty acids
may decrease risk.
African-American men are at greater risk than Caucasian or Asian. This may be due
to diet.
• Men living in Asia, South America and Central America all
are at a decreased risk. Once again, diet may explain this.• Same gene mutation found in breast cancer BRCA1 or 2 can increase your risk.
• Men with high levels of testosterone
• The hormone IGF (insulin-like growth factor 1).
How To Prevent Prostate Cancer
One of the best way to catch prostate cancer early, is to pay a visit to your doctor for a regular check up. The older you are, the more vital this becomes in diagnosing and catching this deadly form of cancer. Remember, early detection saves lives. Your doctor will perform either a digital rectal exam (DRE) and/ or a (PSA) prostate specific antigen test. If you have a family history you may want to start screening earlier. The American Cancer Society recommends high risk individuals began screening at age 45.
Digital Rectal Exam
A Digital rectal exam(DRE) is performed in a doctors office to screen for prostate cancer. It is a non-invasive procedure involving an exam by the doctor where a gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to feel the size and shape of the prostate. The prostate should feel smooth. If lumps are present or there are irregularities prostate cancer may be present. A DRE does not always catch prostate cancer. A biopsy is the only way to rule it out.
Prostate Specific Antigen Test
A blood test performed to check to the levels of this antigen to see if they are abnormally high.
Signs And Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
• Urinary tract problems such as: trouble starting or stopping flow, frequent urination, unable to empty bladder, blood in urine or a frequent need to urinate during the night. Painful or burning urination are also indications..
• Impotence
• Bone pain
• Painful ejaculation
• Difficulty with erection
• Pain in lower back upper thighs, hips
Stages of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is classified into four stages. Below you will find a brief explanation of each of them.
Stage 1
Doctor is unable to detect tumor during a regular rectal exam. This early stage must be detected through blood tests that show an elevated PSA.
Stage 2
Tumor is felt during exam, but it has not spread beyond the prostate.
Stage 3
Tumor is now outside the prostate. Hasn’t spread to other organs, lymph nodes are other parts of body.
Stage 4
Spreading has began to other organs and lymph nodes.
Treatments
Treatment options vary. Only you and your doctor can determine which path may be best for you. Your age, the stage your cancer is, in and your ability to handle the side effects will all be considered.
Surgery
Prostate is removed. Surgery generally removes all cancer and lessens the chance of reoccurrence. Surgery is based on the patients age, the stage and the patients overall health. There are two different types of surgery. Radical Prostatectomy and Radical Perennial Prostatectomy.
Radical Prostatectomy- involves the removal of the entire prostate, some tissue surrounding the area and attached seminal vesicles. Some of the bladder is removed.
Pelvic Lymphadenectomy- removes nearby pelvic lymph nodes. Advantanced techniques are being used now to improve upon this surgery which includes lower side effects.This new technique is called a Nerve-Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatetomy.
Radiation
Radiation is a common treatment for this type of cancer. Radiation is best used in the early stages of cancer to kill the cancer cells by way of high energy rays. In advanced cases it is also used in conjunction with surgery. Older patients often can not undergo surgery, so radiation is their best option to eradicate the cancer. There are two type of radiation therapy. One is called External Beam Radiation. This type of treatment involves small radioactive seeds implanted into the prostate. The other type is called Brachytherapy. This is a one time insertion into the prostate
Chemotherapy
Usually reserved for very advanced stages of cancer. Chemotherapy is able to travel throughout the body and kill cells. Normal ones will grow back over time, but the bad cells will die out. Side effects may be present such as nausea, hair loss, fatigue.
Cryosurgery
Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze abnormal tissues of the
prostate. This procedure can be repeated multiple times
if necessary to kill cancerous cells. No known advantage
over other forms of treatment at this time. Side effects
will vary from patient to patient.
Hormonal Therapy
Drugs that block androgen receptors are used to shrink
cancer cells. Can be used combined with other forms of
treatment. Often administered before radiation treatments.
Estrogen is also sometimes used in treatment. Side effects
include: impotence and loss of sex drive.
