Prostate Cancer
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland in the pelvis of men. It's one of the most common types of cancer in men, usually growing slowly and initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Early detection is key to managing and treating prostate cancer effectively.
What Causes Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Options include:
- Watchful Waiting or Active Surveillance: For low-risk or slower-growing cancers.
- Surgery: Removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy).
- Radiation Therapy: Includes external beam radiation and brachytherapy (internal radiation).
- Hormone Therapy: To stop the body from producing the male hormone testosterone.
- Chemotherapy: Used if cancer has spread outside the prostate.
- Biological Therapy: Uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing of prostate tissue to kill cancer cells.
Our Millennium Physicians Urology team will discuss these treatment options to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early-stage prostate cancer often presents with no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty starting urination or a weak urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Urgency to urinate
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Bone pain, which could indicate advanced cancer spread
Types of Prostate Cancer
- Acinar Adenocarcinoma - The most common form of prostate cancer, accounting for about 95% of cases. It develops in the gland cells that line the prostate gland and produce the fluid that is part of semen.
- Ductal Adenocarcinoma - This type starts in the ducts of the prostate gland. It tends to grow and spread more quickly than acinar adenocarcinoma, making it more aggressive and potentially more challenging to treat.
- Transitional Cell (or Urothelial) Cancer - Begins in the cells that line the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). This type of cancer can start in the prostate and may extend to nearby structures such as the bladder.
- Squamous Cell Center - This rare form of prostate cancer arises from the flat cells that cover the prostate. It tends to grow and spread more quickly than adenocarcinoma.
- Small Cell Prostate Cancer - A very rare and aggressive form that is composed of small round cells. It tends to grow quickly and often spreads to other parts of the body at an early stage.
- Sarcomas and Sarcomatoid Cancer - These are also rare and start in the muscles or other supportive tissues of the prostate. They tend to grow more rapidly than adenocarcinomas.
Prevention
While it's not always possible to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle changes may help lower your risk. At Millennium Physicians, we recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing red and processed meats. Regular exercise is also beneficial for maintaining overall health and lowering cancer risks. Additionally, managing a healthy weight and avoiding obesity are important factors. We encourage you to speak with your physician about your individual risk factors, including age and family history, to determine if regular screenings or other preventative steps are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stones
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, digital rectal exams (DRE), and if necessary, a biopsy to examine prostate tissue.