Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and the Latest Treatment Options

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer, just like any other cancer, is the abnormal growth of body cells in the prostate gland and can spread in stages. The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder, and it produces seminal fluid. Whether it is Localized Prostate Cancer, which is confined to the prostate or Metastatic Prostate Cancer, spread to other parts of the body, it is difficult to detect them in their early stages. Although most men can live with prostate cancer without major issues, in a few instances, it can be aggressive and may rapidly spread. Thus, early detection by prostate cancer screening can significantly enhance the success rates for Prostate Cancer Treatment procedures.

Early Signs of Prostate Cancer:

The early signs of prostate cancer mimic the symptoms of other minor health issues, which makes it harder to detect them without specialised diagnostic tools. However, there are several common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer which are unique to this disease and you should be aware of. Here are some of these early signs of prostate cancer:

• Trouble starting or stopping urination
• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Burning or painful sensation during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis/li>
• Erectile dysfunction

Note that the above-mentioned dysfunction may not necessarily be signs of prostate cancer, rather these symptoms can be caused by other benign conditions, such as prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, it is suggested to take medical help if you experience any of these symptoms.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors:

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is still unknown to doctors, several prostate cancer risk factors can significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Understanding these risk factors can help the patient as well as doctors to make informed decisions about the screening and treatment plans, which can ultimately increase the Prostate Cancer Survival Rate. Here are some of the most common risk factors:

1.Age:Risk for prostate cancer increases as men grow older, particularly beyond the age of 50.

2.Family history:Prostate cancer in the family, either the father or brother, can significantly increase the risk of the disease.

3.Race:African American men have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer than men from other races.

4.Genetic causes:Some inherited gene mutations also raise the risk of acquiring prostate cancer.

5.Diet:Obesity and a diet rich in fat have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis:

Prostate cancer screening or diagnosis includes several steps, starting from physical examinations and continuing with various advanced diagnostic tests specialised to detect and confirm prostate cancer. Here are some of the most common diagnostic tools used:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test:
  Any dysfunction of the prostate gland can lead to elevated levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen into the blood. Hence, PSA test can be an important indicator of the presence of prostate cancer in the body. However, elevated PSA can also be a sign of infection or other benign conditions, eventually increasing the need for a confirmatory test.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE):
  DRE involves insertion of a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormality or discomfort in the prostate gland. The procedure is performed by specialised doctors and surgeons.
• Prostate Biopsy:
  It serves as a confirmatory test for prostate cancer. If a PSA test or DRE suggests a potential cancer problem, a prostate biopsy is performed to confirm cancer. The procedure involves taking a small sample from the affected region of the prostate tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine cancer cells.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options:

Prostate Cancer Treatment widely depends upon the severity, the type of prostate cancer, and the individual’s medical history, overall health, as well as preferences. Here are some of the most common treatment options, each suited for different needs of a certain individual:

• Active Surveillance:Active surveillance is generally used for the treatment of localised prostate cancer or the prostate cancer which is growing slowly. This involves regular monitoring of the prostate condition with PSA tests, biopsies, and imaging tests.
• Surgery:Surgical options are chosen when the prostate cancer is diagnosed early. This option includes prostatectomy or cutting off the prostate gland, which is generally recommended for patients with localised prostate cancer. The surgery can be of different types, which include traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery with a common aim of treating prostate cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is another common treatment option for prostate cancer treatment, which utilises external beam radiation to deliver high-energy beams to kill cancer, or directly inserting brachytherapy (radioactive seeds) into the prostate.
• Hormone Therapy: The hormone therapy works on the principle of stopping the production of the testosterone hormone, responsible for growth and production of cancerous cells in the prostate.
• Chemotherapy:Chemotherapy is used for metastatic cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy. This method uses powerful drugs and consumables to treat or kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy:Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are the newer cancer treatments that work by enhancing the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells or by specifically targeting certain molecules which initiate cancer cell growth.
• Radiopharmaceuticals: This method is used when cancer cells have mutated to other parts of the body. Radiopharmaceuticals include delivering radiation directly to the site of cancer causing cells, ultimately killing these cells.

Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but the progress in prostate cancer treatment has significantly enhanced the prognosis for many men. Early detection, through knowledge of early symptoms of prostate cancer and routine prostate cancer screening, is the key to successful treatment and higher survival rates. With customised treatment options, patients now have a wide range of choices suited to their specific requirements. If you are worried about prostate cancer or its risk factors, discuss your screening and treatment options with your healthcare provider. With early detection and appropriate care, the prognosis for prostate cancer can remain positive, even in advanced stages.