Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer
by: Kelly Moore
Cancer can occur in any part of the body – lungs, intestine, rectum, breast or
prostate. Prostate cancer develops as a malignant tumor that starts in the prostate
gland. There is a possibility of the cancer spreading from the prostate to the lymph
nodes, other organs or bones through metastasis.
This is the second most common type of cancer in men, which can lead to death.
However, with the improvement of medicine, survival rates in patients have improved
considerably. The cause of prostate cancer has never been found out, however, there
are some risk factors that induce prostate cancer.
It has been found out that with the increase of age, the risk of prostate cancer tends
to increase. Having family members with prostate cancer increases the risk of
developing prostate cancer. Statistics show that African-American men have a higher
risk of prostate cancer than Caucasian men. And of course, obese men are more
prone to prostate cancer.
There are no specific symptoms for prostate cancer; however as it grows, men tend to
suffer from pain in the lower back, upper thighs and pelvis. Other symptoms of
advanced prostate cancer are complications in urinating like increase in frequency,
interrupted flow, finding it difficult to stop or start urinating, presence of blood in the
urine and the presence of pain and burning sensation.
It is suggested that men over the age of 50, have to take a prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) blood test every year, along with a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to find out the
presence of prostate cancer. In a DRE, the physician tests for an enlarged prostate,
lumps or any abnormal texture by inserting a lubricated and gloved finger into the
rectum.
The prostate cells produce PSA, and with the PSA test, its level in the blood stream
is determined. Men having PSA levels higher than 4ng/mL have a higher chance of
prostate cancer. However, sometimes men with low PSA levels may contract prostate
cancer; it all depends on the normal PSA level of a man. If it was always on the higher
side, then there is not much to worry; this is why it is better to keep track of PSA
levels. It is also possible to diagnose prostate cancer through transrectal ultrasound
and biopsies. It is through a biopsy that prostate cancer is correctly diagnosed.
The doctor suggests treatment for prostate cancer depending on its severity. It can be
surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or watchful waiting. Through
hormonal therapy, the effect of male hormones like testosterone is blocked to inhibit
the growth of cancer cells. However, this is not a cure; it just controls the disease.
With the surgical treatment, prostate glands and surrounding lymph glands are
removed, depending on the severity of the condition. However this may cause hot
flashes, loss of interest in sex, impotence and other problems in the patient.
Sometimes, radiation is suggested where x-rays are passed through an external
machine or through radioactive isotopes inside the body. The doctor may also
suggest chemotherapy where the patient is prescribed medication that is
administered either orally or through injections.
However, since prostate cancer attacks older men, they are usually advised watchful
waiting. This is best if the tumor is small, is expected a low growth rate or when
medical treatment proves to be rather risky and may lead to death. The patient has to
be monitored frequently with this treatment, but no treatment is administered.
About The Author
Kelly Moore runs a respected natural male enhancement site, featuring free penis
enlargement exercise and all the latest information on what products are making a
buzz in the industry. Check her site at: http://www.natural-penis-enlargment.com
