You are here: Home / Archives for Prostate Cancer

How to identify prostate cancer in men

Prostate cancer is a fatal disease caused by the tumor in the prostate gland. In most of the cases, the prostate cancer keeps increasing for a long period in the body without any noticeable changes in the gland or even in the function of that gland.

It is because, usually, the tumor remains in the gland without making any changes in the size of the gland and thus men are not even able to notice it. A lot of doctors say that by and large, prostate cancer is detected in patients by them during routine blood test or at times during rectal examination of their patients. It is only during the advanced stages that signs or symptoms of this cancer become obvious. In the later stages of cancer, the cancer may increase in size so much that it starts constricting urethra.

Since, the primary role of prostrate gland in the male body is to control discharge of urination by pressing a region of urethra surrounded by the gland; many of its symptoms are related to urination only. Some of these symptoms of this cancer include burning sensation during discharge of urine, decrease or irregular flow of urination, pain during peeing, bleeding during micturition, feeling of obstruction during discharge of urine, occasional bulging of urinary bladder and so on.

Apart from these symptoms, there are some more symptoms as well, for instance, difficulty in the ejaculation or erection during sexual intercourse and local spread of tumor in the areas surrounding prostate glade. If not treated timely, it may further spread to various areas of the body such as liver, bones, lower spine, lungs and so on. Due to spread in these areas, people may encounter general pain in the back, coughing, tiredness and the likes These symptoms do not confirm prostate but a doctor should definitely be consulted for the check up to winnow out prostate cancer in such cases!

Share
Filed Under: Prostate Cancer

What stimulates prostate cancer in men?

The uncontrolled expansion of some cells of prostate gland causes prostate cancer in men. According to medical studies, it is very difficult to list the causes of prostate cancer but there are a number of factors, found in researches, which can stimulate prostate cancer in men.

Aging is one of the factors that can lead to this cancer. It is because, there were a very few young men below the age of fifty who were found to have prostate cancer. The prostate cancer was mostly found in old men from the age to sixty to eighty. Apart from aging, genetics is another factor which may lead to prostate cancer. People with the family history of prostate cancer, especially in brothers or father, are more prone to this cancer than people who do not have any such family history.

Improper diet is also one of the factors that can result in prostate cancer. As doctors recommend, a person should follow balanced diet, as lack or excess of any nutrition in the body may lead to many complications. Low level of Vitamin D and folate and excess level of Vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid and zinc, are found to be the risk factors of prostate cancer.

High intake of alcohol may also augment the chances of prostate cancer. In addition to genetics, improper diet and aging, sexual transmitted infections may also increase the risk of this cancer in men. Thus men with STD and sexually transmitted inflections run at a high risk of prostate cancer. The increased levels of testosterone can also cause prostate cancer. Doctors use this information for treating the patients of prostate cancer as well they decrease the level of testosterone as one of the treatments of prostate cancer.

Awareness among can help a lot in preventing themselves from this cancer. So spread awareness to save lives!

Share
Filed Under: Prostate Cancer

Genetics as the primary cause of prostate cancer.

A light blue ribbon is the symbol for prostate...

Image via Wikipedia

Many researches have shown that recently prostate cancer has become one of the major reasons of deaths of males around the globe. Since the cancer is fatal in nature thus it is important that all of us are aware of the reasons that can lead to prostate cancer so that prevention can be taken, in cases where it is possible.

In the beginning, researches were unable to find the exact causes behind prostate cancer but recent studies were able to discover some of the primary causes of this type of cancer. Genetics or hereditary is considered to be one of the most common causes of this cancer. According to recent studies, people who have a family history of prostrate are more prone to prostrate cancer than those who do not have such kind of family history.

The risk of prostate cancer is determined by how closely related was the person who had prostate cancer to the person in question. For instance, if brother for father of a person had prostate cancer, person may be more at risk of the same. But the risk factors lessen if the patient of prostate cancer was the second or third degree relative of the person.

This does not mean that people who do not or did not have any relative with prostrate cancer are not at risk to this cancer. It is because, though genetic is the primary cause of prostate cancer, it is not the only cause. There are other factors as well which may lead to prostate cancer such as sexually transmitted infection, improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, environmental and geographical influences and the likes.

So if you had some relative with the prostate cancer, you should be on your guard. Consult your doctor; he may help you in preventing yourself from the same!

Share
Filed Under: Prostate Cancer

Prostrate cancer in men

Micrograph of prostate gland with a chronic in...

Image via Wikipedia

The uncontrolled growth of some cells of prostate gland, found in the body of a male, causes prostate cancer. The disease can be extremely fatal if it is not identified in the initial stages and usually men around the age of fifty are at risk to this kind of cancer. The cancer results in trouble during discharge of urine as well as during sexual act.

PSA is a protein manufactured by the prostate gland which turns the semen into liquid and helps sperm cells to move freely and the increased levels of this prostrate specific antigen, abbreviated as PSA, in blood serum are linked with prostate cancer. Many researches show that there are a number of causes behind prostrate cancer. Heredity is considered among the primary causes of this kind of cancer.

The examination of tissues or liquids from the male body commonly known as biopsy, PSA test,  physical examination, identification of signs of this cancer or changes in physical function that are experienced by a patient connected to prostrate cancer, are some of the ways to identify prostrate cancer in males. In some cases, Computed Tomography Scan and the examination of bone may be recommended by the doctor to check if prostate cancer has reached other parts of the body or not.

The matter of the concern is that in some cases it may be difficult to identify prostrate in the initial stages due to the slow growth of tumor and in other cases, it may grow so fast that it results in the premature death of a person.

Make people around you aware of this fatal disease called prostrate cancer; it would help them be on their guard, in case they find any symptoms of this disease in their body. Early detect would help a lot in their treatment and would save their life too!!

Share
Filed Under: Prostate Cancer

Health Watch: Prostate Cancer

When considering their health care maintenance, men should be aware that prostate cancer is among one of the most serious health risks a man can face. Among cancer related deaths, prostate cancer is the number two killer of American males. For this reason, it’s wise for men to remain conscientious of their prostate health and there are several things than can do to make sure that they are.

Regular checkups with a doctor are key. Your doctor can recommend the best schedule for routine checkups to be sure you aren’t exhibiting any signs of deteriorating prostate health. However, in addition to regular checkups, you should also be watching for certain warning signs. If you do note the presence of any of the following warning signs, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Catching prostate cancer early is the key, yet many men are reluctant to go to the doctor with symptoms that relate to their prostate health.

Any problems or unusual changes in urination should be noted immediately. For example, blood in the urine stream is a serious symptom that no man should take lightly. Another indicator that you should go to the doctor for an additional checkup would be the need to urinate very frequently, or the phenomenon of leaking urine. Pain during urination or ejaculation are also indicators that you may be at risk for a serious health problem like prostate cancer. Another warning sign is the inability to fully empty your bladder when urinating.

Prostate health medicine has come a long way, and prostate cancer can be very treatable if caught in the earliest stages, so don’t delay if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Also, be sure to make your regular check up appointments as these can detect prostate cancer before any noticeable symptoms present themselves.

Share
Filed Under: Health Care, Prostate Cancer Tagged With: , , ,

About Prostate Specific Antigen Testing

Men getting older have probably heard their doctors mention getting a PSA test. But what is it, and why should you be having one?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigens. PSAs are a type of protein produced by the prostate gland, and these prostate-specific antigens are then present in your blood. In order to do a PSA test, your doctor will require a small blood sample. It isn’t simply the presence of prostate-specific antigens in your blood that your doctor is looking for. PSA is normally present in the blood. Rather, it is the level of prostate-specific antigens that your doctor will be analyzing. Low levels are normal but higher levels can be indicative of any one of a number of health issues related to the prostate gland.

One of those health issues is prostate cancer. Higher levels of PSAs can be a marker for this killer. Prostate cancer is the second highest cause of cancer related deaths among American men, and PSA tests are one way to detect this cancer early. Detected in its early stages, prostate cancer may be treatable.

High levels of prostate-specific antigens in the blood do not, however, necessarily mean that prostate cancer is the cause. There are other possible causes for high levels of PSAs as well. Benign growths or tumors can also result in high levels of PSAs. And an enlarged or inflamed prostate can also be the culprit behind a high level of PSAs showing up in your test results.

The PSA test alone cannot diagnose prostate cancer. However, having PSA tests done routinely can be a good way for you doctor to ensure he or she does not need to do further testing. If a high level of prostate-specific antigens is detected, your doctor will take further steps to accurately diagnose you.

Share
Filed Under: Cancer, Health Care, Prostate Cancer Tagged With: , ,

Prostate Cancer: Early Diagnosis is Key

For many men, prostate health is a major concern. But it is also something men may feel uncomfortable discussing with their doctors. Many of the troublesome symptoms of prostate problems seem to them to be embarrassing. However, it’s important to discuss prostate health with your physician, and it’s also important to keep up with the routine exams and tests that can detect problems with your prostate before symptoms even appear.

There are two types of tests that can help determine whether you are exhibiting signs of prostate problems. One is a PSA test. These tests are a blood test which detect levels of a certain type of protein in your bloodstream. This protein is known as prostate specific antigen, and it is produced by certain cells present in the prostate gland. High levels of PSAs in your blood can indicate prostate cancer, an enlarged or inflamed prostate, or another problem with your prostate health.

PSA tests are routinely administered to patients who are over 50 years of age. Your doctor may also suggest that you undergo PSA testing if he feels you are at an increased risk of prostate cancer due to your family history or other risk factors.

Another test your doctor will perform is the DRE. DRE stands for digital rectal exam. This is a physical exam where the doctor, wearing gloves, inserts a finger into the rectum. By doing so, he can feel for any bumps or other unusual irregularities that might indicate problems with the prostate.

It is important to inform your doctor of any unusual symptoms you might be having between routine exams and testing, also. For example, pain while urinating or ejaculating, having bloody urine, or not being able to completely empty your bladder when urinating may be indicative of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.

Share
Filed Under: Health Care, Prostate Cancer, Treatment Tagged With: , , ,

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Prostate cancer can’t be reliably prevented, but treatment options for those who have unfortunately developed the cancer are always improving.

There are several different types of prostate cancer therapy. The type of treatment right for you will depend on several factors, which will be assessed by your doctor.

One of these factors is age. Some prostate cancer treatments are more difficult for the body to recover from than others, and the overall health and vitality of the individual with cancer must be taken into consideration.

Another factor is how developed the cancer is. If there are only a few cancerous cells present, there are different treatment options available than if there is an actual tumor. If that tumor has grown beyond the edges of the prostate, treatment options are different in that case as well.

One treatment for prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy. This a surgery which removes the prostate in its entirety. It may also include removal of the nearby lymph nodes. This surgery is not recommended in most cases where a tumor has grown beyond the edges of the prostate itself.

There are other types of surgery which can be used to treat prostate cancer. Laparoscopic surgery is one option which is considered less drastic and invasive than prostatectomy. Your doctor will best be able to determine if surgery is the answer, and if so, which type of surgery has the best chance of success.

Of course, surgery isn’t the only method available for treatment. There are also forms of radiation treatment and hormone treatments that your doctor may feel are more appropriate given your overall condition and the progression of your cancer. In some cases, your doctor may not advise an immediate treatment plan but may instead prefer a policy of watchful waiting. Watchful waiting means carefully monitoring your condition while determining the best course of action.

Share
Filed Under: Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Treatment Tagged With: , , ,

Prostate Cancer: Types of Radiation Therapy

photo of SAVI breast brachytherapy device
Image via Wikipedia

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer you have a million questions. One of the first things that will probably cross your mind is “What next?” There are so many treatment options for prostate cancer, your doctor will need to carefully evaluate what treatment is best for you. In many cases, your doctor may suggest radiation therapy.

There are several types of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, and radiation therapy methods for treating prostate cancer are evolving and improving constantly. There are two main classifications for this type of therapy.

One type is called external beam therapy. This type of radiation therapy involves outpatient treatment of prostate cancer by giving a dose of radiation via a machine several times a week for several minutes at a time. Side effects are relatively mild, and no anesthesia is required for external beam therapy.

The other type of radiation therapy involves the implantation of “seeds” which emit radiation. It takes a single visit in order to implant these “seeds,” which are actually small radioactive pellets. They are inserted via injection. The side effects of this treatment may be more severe.

Both types of radiation treatment have similar rates of recovery and success. However, surgery may be more effective in some patients as there may be a greater risk of relapse when using radiation therapy alone. For those patients for whom surgery is not an option, however, radiation therapy of either type can be the answer. Your doctor will best be able to advise you on all of the treatment options that he or she feels are applicable to your individual case.

Some of the side effects of radiation treatment are unpleasant or uncomfortable–burning during urination, or impotence, for example. However, radiation treatments are always improving, and in any case, these side effects are far preferable to unchecked prostate cancer.

Share
Filed Under: Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Treatment Tagged With: , ,

Prostatectomy Facts

Prostate
Image via Wikipedia

If your doctor has mentioned the possibility of recommending you for prostatectomy surgery, now is the time to educate yourself on why and what to expect.

Prostatectomy is an invasive surgery which includes the complete removal of the entire prostate gland, and is usually considered to include the additional removal of the lymph nodes located near the prostate. This is not a surgery lightly recommended by doctors, so if your doctor has sent you for a surgery consult with this in mind, he or she has probably considered other treatment options first.

Any abnormality of the prostate which interferes with its normal function and cannot be treated by other means may be cause for your doctor to consider recommending prostatectomy. In other cases, it may be the presence of cancerous cells in the prostate that leads your doctor to make this recommendation.

There are many types of prostatectomy, each utilizing different methods. Your doctor and your surgeon will evaluate your overall health and fitness as well as the reason for your prostatectomy in order to determine which method has the best chance of success.

For example, surgeons may opt to open an incision in the abdomen and conduct the surgery behind the pubic bone. Or, the surgeon may opt to enter through the perineal area, or through the bladder. In other cases, laser surgery may be deemed more appropriate.

Many men, even if they are afraid of prostate cancer, are hesitant to commit to a prostatectomy because of the risks of complications after surgery. These complications can include erectile dysfunction. Despite these risks however, prostatectomy is usually only recommended when necessary. Also, there are a number of effective treatments for the after surgery complications such as erectile dysfunction. Medications like Viagra are routinely prescribed after recovery from prostatectomy and can significantly improve erectile difficulties.

Share
Filed Under: Cancer, Health Care, Prostate Cancer Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »