Understanding Prostate Cancer
The prostate is an important part in men’s health. Majority of men who develop some degree of poor urine flow have this small walnut shaped gland to blame. Naturally the prostate gland increases in size with age. This swelling is called benign prostate hypertrophy or BPH. This swelling is non-cancerous and when troublesome, it can be removed through an open abdominal surgery or through the urethra in an operation called trans-urethral resection of the prostate – TURP. This gland may however, at times develop malignant changes which lead to cancer of the prostate.
Prostate cancer is a male hormone supported cancer which proliferates better in the presence of male hormones (androgens).
Types of prostate cancer …show more content…
Most of the early symptoms are related to passing urine. The patient may notice difficulties including blockage and a gradually weakening stream. Other symptoms may include:
• Erectile problems
• Pelvic pains
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood stained semen.
Causes of prostate cancer
What causes the initial cancerous changes in the prostate gland are not known. There is DNA mutation which leads to the abnormal proliferation of cells. There are however, factors that appear to increase chances of developing this type of cancer.
• Family history. There appears to be some genetic connection such that a person whose close relative has prostate cancer is more likely to develop the cancer unlike another with no family member affected.
• Obesity. Obese men have a higher risk
• Race. Black men are more prone than their Caucasian counterparts.
• Men who have mothers or sisters with breast cancer (another hormone regulated cancer).
• Older men are also at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Routine screening may reveal high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A direct rectal examination (DRE) may also reveal abnormalities of the prostate gland. If these initial tests are abnormal other tests to follow can
The prostate is an important part in men’s health. Majority of men who develop some degree of poor urine flow have this small walnut shaped gland to blame. Naturally the prostate gland increases in size with age. This swelling is called benign prostate hypertrophy or BPH. This swelling is non-cancerous and when troublesome, it can be removed through an open abdominal surgery or through the urethra in an operation called trans-urethral resection of the prostate – TURP. This gland may however, at times develop malignant changes which lead to cancer of the prostate.
Prostate cancer is a male hormone supported cancer which proliferates better in the presence of male hormones (androgens).
Types of prostate cancer …show more content…
Most of the early symptoms are related to passing urine. The patient may notice difficulties including blockage and a gradually weakening stream. Other symptoms may include:
• Erectile problems
• Pelvic pains
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood stained semen.
Causes of prostate cancer
What causes the initial cancerous changes in the prostate gland are not known. There is DNA mutation which leads to the abnormal proliferation of cells. There are however, factors that appear to increase chances of developing this type of cancer.
• Family history. There appears to be some genetic connection such that a person whose close relative has prostate cancer is more likely to develop the cancer unlike another with no family member affected.
• Obesity. Obese men have a higher risk
• Race. Black men are more prone than their Caucasian counterparts.
• Men who have mothers or sisters with breast cancer (another hormone regulated cancer).
• Older men are also at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Routine screening may reveal high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A direct rectal examination (DRE) may also reveal abnormalities of the prostate gland. If these initial tests are abnormal other tests to follow can