Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland which is a small walnut shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It is one of the most common types of cancer among men especially those over the age of 50. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably leading to the formation of a tumor. While early stage prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms, it can be detected through regular screening tests such as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
Types Of Prostate Cancer
There are several types of prostate cancer, each with distinct characteristics and treatment options. Here is a list of the main types of prostate cancer:
Sarcomas: These are rare types of prostate cancer that develop in the connective tissue cells of the prostate gland.
Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of prostate cancer accounting for over 90% of cases. It develops in the gland cells that produce prostate fluid.
Ductal carcinoma: This is a rare type of prostate cancer that develops in the cells lining the ducts of the prostate gland.
Small cell carcinoma: This is a rare but aggressive type of prostate cancer that grows quickly and tends to spread to other parts of the body.
Neuroendocrine tumors: These are rare tumors that can develop in the prostate gland and tend to grow quickly. They can respond well to hormone therapy.
Squamous cell carcinoma: This is a rare type of prostate cancer that develops in the flat cells that line the prostate gland.
Transitional cell carcinoma: This type of prostate cancer develops in the cells lining the urethra and is often treated with surgery or radiation therapy.
It’s important to note that prostate cancer can also be classified as either localized or metastatic depending on whether it has spread beyond the prostate gland.
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Some common symptoms may appear including:
Painful ejaculation.
Erectile dysfunction.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
Frequent urination especially at night.
Difficulty starting or stopping urination.
Weak urine flow or interrupted urine flow.
Bone pain or tenderness especially in the back, hips and thighs.
These symptoms may also be indicative of other medical conditions, so it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis if any of these symptoms are present. Regular prostate cancer screenings such as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE) can help detect the cancer in its early stages before symptoms develop.
Causes Of Prostate Cancer
The exact causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood but several factors have been identified that may increase a man’s risk of developing the disease. These include:
Age: The majority of prostate cancer cases occurring in men over the age of 65.
Obesity: Men who are overweight or obese may be at a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other ethnicities while Asian and Hispanic men have a lower risk.
Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer especially if their father or brother had the disease are at a higher risk.
Hormonal factors: Prostate cancer is fueled by male hormones called androgens so anything that increases the levels of these hormones in the body such as testosterone replacement therapy may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals such as cadmium may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a man will develop prostate cancer and many men without any known risk factors still develop the disease. Regular prostate cancer screenings can help detect the cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable.
Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer
There are several tests and procedures used to diagnose prostate cancer including:
Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI or bone scan may be used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Genetic testing: In some cases, genetic testing may be performed to determine if a man has an inherited gene mutation that increases the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Prostate biopsy: If the PSA level or DRE suggests the presence of prostate cancer, a biopsy may be performed in which small sample of prostate tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.
Digital rectal exam (DRE): During a DRE, a doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormalities or lumps.
Prostate specific antigen test: High levels of PSA indicates the presence of prostate cancer. This test measures the level of PSA in the blood.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer is typically based on a combination of these tests and procedures. Regular prostate cancer screenings including PSA blood tests and DREs can help detect the cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable.
Treatment Of Prostate Cancer
The treatment of prostate cancer depends on several factors including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health and the patient’s personal preferences. Some common treatment options include:
Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland is called a prostatectomy may be recommended for younger men with early stage prostate cancer. This can be done either through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic assisted surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended for men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a newer type of treatment that uses the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. It may be recommended for some men with advanced prostate cancer.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may be recommended for men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. This involves reducing the levels of male hormones called androgens in the body which can slow the growth of the cancer.
Active surveillance: In some cases, especially for older men with early stage, slow growing prostate cancer active surveillance may be recommended. This involves monitoring the cancer closely with regular PSA tests, DREs and biopsies but not immediately treating the cancer unless it shows signs of growing or spreading.
Radiation therapy: It may be recommended for men with early stage prostate cancer or for those with locally advanced prostate cancer. External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy (implantation of radioactive seeds into the prostate gland) are two common types of radiation therapy.
Treatment option has its own risks and benefits and the choice of treatment should be made in consultation with a doctor based on the individual patient’s circumstances.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland in men. The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known but there are several risk factors that have been identified including age, family history, ethnicity and diet. It’s important for men to discuss their risk of prostate cancer with their doctor and to undergo regular prostate cancer screenings to detect the cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable.
