Prostate Cancer: Types, Causes & Diagnosis
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate. In males, the prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that generates seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.
One of the most common types of cancer is prostate cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are restricted to the prostate gland, where they may not cause significant harm. While some types of prostate cancer develop slowly and may require little or no therapy, others are severe and spread quickly.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is classified based on how the cancer cells grow and spread. The most common types include:
- Adenocarcinoma: The most prevalent type, originating in the glandular cells of the prostate.
- Small Cell Carcinoma: A rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Developing in the flat cells lining the prostate, this type is less common and tends to grow quickly.
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Starts in the urethral cells and may spread to the prostate.
- Sarcoma and Neuroendocrine Tumors: Rare forms of prostate cancer with unique characteristics.
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Regular screenings and consultations with specialists can help identify the type and stage of prostate cancer for personalized care.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionCauses of Prostate Cancer
- DNA Mutations: Changes in the DNA of prostate gland cells trigger abnormal growth.
- Uncontrolled Cell Division: Mutated DNA causes cells to grow and divide faster than normal.
- Tumor Formation: Accumulated abnormal cells form a mass, called a tumor.
- Metastasis: The tumor can spread to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
It’s symptoms are not very much visible during the initial stage.
The advanced stage may show symptoms such as:
- Discomfort during urinating
- Less force in the stream of urine
- Hematuria - Blood in the urine
- Bone pain
- Blood in the semen
- Loss of weight for no reason
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
Risk factors of Prostate Cancer
Risks for prostate cancer includes the following factors:
- Older age: The risk of cancer increases in old age.
- Family history: If parents or any close relative had prostate cancer, the chances of getting this cancer also increase.
- Obesity: Obese people may have a higher risk of this cancer than people with healthy weight.
Complications of Prostate Cancer
Complications of prostate cancer include:
- Urinary incontinence: Prostate cancer and its treatment can lead to urinary incontinence.
- Prostate cancer metastasizes: Prostate cancer cells can spread to the surrounding organs, such as the urinary bladder, or get transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other body parts.
- Erectile dysfunction: The dysfunction is due to the cancer or its treatment methods such as surgery, radiation or hormonal treatments.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentDiagnosis of Prostate Cancer
If the doctor suspects cancer of the prostate gland, he or she will enquire about related prostate problems such as urinary or sexual issues and other risk factors like family history. Following are the screening tests for prostate cancer that would be recommended to diagnose the condition.
- PSA blood test: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is done to evaluate the PSA levels, the proteins produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): It is a routine screening test to monitor a patient’s lower rectum, pelvis, and lower abdomen. This test can help a doctor check a prostate gland's health.
- Biopsy test: A prostate biopsy test is done to remove tissue samples from the prostate gland for microscopic examination.
- Ultrasound scan (USG scan): Prostate ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of a prostate gland and find any abnormal mass in the organ.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) scan can help the doctor detect prostate gland malignancy and its capacity to grow.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment methods include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and active surveillance. Effective prostate cancer management requires a personalized approach based on the cancer stage and overall health.
Here's a detailed explanation of the treatment methods:
Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Radical prostatectomy: A radical prostatectomy is recommended for prostate cancer patients whose cancer is in its initial phase. This operation may not be suitable if the malignancy has spread outside the prostate gland.
- Types of radical prostatectomy are:
- Retropubic prostatectomy
- Perineal prostatectomy
- Laparoscopic prostatectomy
- Robotic prostatectomy
- Radiation therapy (radiotherapy): Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is recommended in patients with the is in its cancer early stage or if surgery is not an option.
- Radiotherapy can be done with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or by implanting radioactive seeds (brachytherapy).
- Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer: Hormone therapy or androgen suppression therapy helps to decrease male hormone levels, called androgens, or to inhibit them from increasing prostate cancer cells.
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy: Hormone therapy or androgen suppression therapy helps to decrease male hormone levels, called androgens, or to inhibit them from increasing prostate cancer cells.
- Minimal dysplasia or low-grade dysplasia: Cryoablation or cryotherapy uses a special probe to freeze and kill the malignant cells.
- Chemotherapy: This therapy may be a treatment option for curing metastasized prostate cancer, and it also treats cancers that don't respond to hormonal therapy.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy for prostate cancer stimulates a patient's own defense (immune) system to counter-attack cancer cells. One such vaccine is sipuleucel-T (Provenge), which induces an immune system to fight back against cancer cells.
- Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drug treatments aim to treat certain abnormalities of the malignant cells. This therapy can cause cancer cells to die, and it is indicated to manage advanced or recurrent prostate cancer cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can prostate cancer be cured?
It can be effectively treated and, in many cases, cured when detected early. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. Treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
What is the life expectancy of prostate cancer?
The life expectancy for prostate cancer varies widely and depends on the stage at diagnosis, the effectiveness of treatment, and individual factors. Many men with localized prostate cancer have an excellent long-term prognosis and can live a normal lifespan. Advanced stages of may have a shorter life expectancy.
Is prostate cancer serious?
It is a serious medical condition that requires attention and appropriate care. While it is often slow-growing and localized, some cases can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial in managing the seriousness of the disease.
How can prostate cancer be prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are important preventive measures.
What does prostate cancer management involve?
Prostate cancer management includes a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or active surveillance. The choice of management depends on the cancer stage, type, and patient health.
Why is early detection important for prostate cancer treatment?
Early detection increases the success rate of prostate cancer treatment. Regular screenings, including PSA tests and biopsies, can identify cancer in its early stages, allowing for timely and effective treatment.
