Prostate cancer is the cancer exclusive for men. Prostate is the gland found in the male reproductive system. It is the size of a walnut and its function is to produce and store seminal fluid. Prostate cancer occurs when the growth or malignancy originates in the prostate region. When tumor cells found in the prostate spread to other organs and lymph nodes, it can already be fatal.
Cancer of the prostate is known to grow slowly. However, since different cancers behave equally differently, aggressive cases of cancer of the prostate are being reported, too. This type of cancer normally hits men who are 50 years old and above. The common prostate cancer symptoms include pain in the sex organ area, mild impotence, difficulty in urinating with the urine tinged with blood. However, symptoms are not apparent until the cancer takes on a worse stage. But ultimately, physicians can diagnose prostate cancer as long as the man submits himself to routine prostate checkup. The checkup involves a rectal exam andPSA(prostate specific antigen) blood test.
Prostate cancer essentially begins when the prostate gland cells transform into cancer cells. Essentially, even a small amount of cancer cells in the prostate multiply and spread and as the cancer cells spread in the prostate tissues, a tumor will be formed.
There are various factors that contribute to the formation of cancer of the prostate. Age and genetics are the primary factors that may elevate the possibility to develop this type of cancer. Diet is also a risk factor for cancer of the prostate. A deficiency or lack in vitamins D and E is known to heighten the risks.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Indeed, prostate cancer is considered to be a silent enemy to men. This is because the symptoms are not apparent during the early stages which result in delayed treatment. However, there are early signs that should be observed and watched out for. These prostate cancer symptoms are similar to those of Urinary Tract Infection or other male reproductive system diseases.
Those who have risk factors (men above 50 and those who have relatives who had cancer) must be cautious of prostate cancer symptoms that include difficulty and pain in urinating with the urine sometimes tinged with blood, increased urination frequency and pain in the lower stomach area. Difficulty in urination may be apparent as dribbling or having the urge to urinate but nothing comes out. Erectile dysfunction may also be experienced as well as ejaculation difficulty, and a tinge of blood in the semen.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
When detected early on, prostate cancer treatment is more likely to succeed. Thus, it is particularly important for one to be cautious about his normal body function and in case he feels that something is not normal, it is best to seek the aid of a doctor. Some of the common prostate cancer treatments include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and eventually, chemotherapy. One prostate cancer treatment may be combined with another or more, depending on the advancement that the disease has taken. The overall health and age of the patient is also an important determining factor of which treatments should be applied.
