Prostate Cancer Questions and Answers
From Adviceopedia
It is one of the most common forms of cancer, so it is no wonder that prostate cancer questions and answers are of importance to so many men. Understanding these key points is necessary for anyone afflicted with the disease, as well as his loved ones.
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Basic Prostate Cancer Questions and Answers
Whether you've just been diagnosed or know someone who is dealing with cancer, you'll find that these prostate cancer questions and answers should help you glean a better understanding of the disease.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer causes an overgrowth of cells in the prostate. This uncontrollable growth results in the development of many small tumors. In general, there is a primary tumor, or the cancer's original starting point, followed by secondary tumors that occur when the cancer eventually spreads to other areas of the body. In most cases of prostate cancer, there are many small primary tumors in the prostate area.
Who Is at Greatest Risk?
Like many other diseases, certain groups of men are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than others. These include African-Americans, the elderly and anyone with a family history of prostate cancer.
What Happens When Prostate Cancer Spreads?
The development of primary, non-spreading tumors is a double-edged sword indeed. Though this stage of the disease is generally curable (the Prostate Cancer Foundation reports a 90 percent or better success rate), it is also true that this stage presents few symptoms. Thus, it can prove difficult for the patient to detect that there is anything wrong at all.
Since the cancer is left untreated, it continues to grow. The spread of cancer is known as metastasis, where the cancer cells move into the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Eventually secondary tumors develop. The cure rate is significantly less once the disease spreads.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
As mentioned, the majority of men will not experience symptoms if the cancer is in the earliest stages. Some, however, do experience significant changes that could be indicative of prostate cancer. They include:
- Pain during ejaculation
- Blood in the semen or urine
- Pain or burning during urination
- Weak or stagnant urine flow
- Difficulty starting or holding urine flow
- Difficulty having an erection
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Frequent stiffness and pain in the hips, lower back and/or upper thighs
Note that these symptoms might also indicate the presence of another condition entirely, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and seek immediate treatment.
How Is Prostate Cancer Detected?
Several tests are used to determine the presence of prostate cancer. They include:
- Biopsy: Two biopsies are used to remove cells and examine them under a microscope for signs of prostate cancer. They include:
- Transperineal biopsy: During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the area between the rectum and scrotum to remove the tissue.
- Transrectal biopsy: During this procedure, tissue is removed by inserting a thin needle into the rectum and to the prostate. It is usually conducted in tandem with a transrectal ultrasound, which helps guide the needle to the right area.
- Digital rectal exam: A lubricated and gloved finger is inserted into the rectum. Through the rectal wall, the doctor will examine the prostate for any lumps or other abnormalities.
- Prostate-specific antigen test: Also known as PSA, this test measures the levels of the substance commonly found in the blood of individuals who have prostate cancer.
- Transrectal ultrasound: To take a sonogram, or picture of the body's tissues, a finger-size probe is inserted into the rectum to examine the prostate.
How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?
What works for one man may not work at all for another, so it's important to examine all of the options thoroughly and determine what is most suitable. Among the treatments available are:
- Watchful waiting: Also known as active surveillance, where the patient's condition is closely monitored until symptoms begin to change or appear. This form of treatment is typically used on those who opt not to have surgery immediately or for older men who suffer from other medical conditions.
- Hormone therapy: This form of treatment blocks the testosterone hormone from releasing, thereby preventing it from feeding the cancer cells and allowing them to survive. Not considered a treatment by itself, it is generally used in almost all treatment regimens.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation utilizes high-energy radioactive exposure to kill cancer cells and the tissue that surrounds them.
- Prostatectomy: This surgical procedure is often recommended for men suffering from the early stages of prostate cancer, or anyone whose cancer is limited to the prostate only.
What Are the Chances of Recovery?
Probably the most crucial of all prostate health questions focuses on the survival rate of patients. If the cancer is discovered in its earliest stages and has not spread to other parts of the body, the prognosis for recovery is good. The patient's age and overall health are also considered.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 90 percent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages, when the dangerous cells are limited to the local area. In these cases, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.
