Prostate Cancer – An Overview - VIMS

Prostate Cancer – An Overview

prostate cancer

This cancer occurs in the male reproductive system to the prostate which is a gland that is just outside the bladder around the male urethra. This is one of the most common forms of cancer that occurs in men usually above 50 years of age. The people who have fathers or brothers diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age are at more risk of getting this cancer.

Here is a run down through the symptoms diagnosis treatment and survival span for patients suffering with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer consists of adenocarcinoma cells that originate from the glandular tissue. So, even if the cancer spreads through the bones, it is not called bone cancer but is known as prostate cancer metastatic to bones. Commonly prostate cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes located in the pelvis and also to the bones.

Risk Factors
As for the cause of prostate cancer, it is yet to be known though genetic factors are known to be responsible for the same. Though research is still on to figure out the exact cause of the condition.

Symptoms
Prostate cancer patients exhibit the following symptoms which mainly include urinary issues
1. Hesitancy or difficulty in starting
2. Nee to put stain for urinating
3. Decrease in force of urine
4. Intermittency or irregular flow of urine
5. Frequent bathroom visits
6. Dribble
7. Burning or pain during urinating
8. Erectile dysfunction
9. Painful ejaculation
10. Blood or semen in urine
11. Lower back or pelvic or abdominal pain
12. Unexplained weight loss, swelling in lower extremities and bone pain

Diagnosis
Prostate cancer screening needs to be done at regular intervals particularly after 40 or 45 if you have it in the genes. The testing involves prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination. Though it has its own pros and cons hence it important to consult an urologist before doing such screenings.
If the PSA is abnormally high, or there is an abnormal area felt during rectal examination, the risk is raised.
Prostate biopsy can help confirm the possibility of having prostate cancer

Treatment
The treatment procedure involves observation of the cancer, monitoring it continuously, surgery also known as radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy as well as other therapies in order to limit the growth of cancer cells.

There are a lot of cancer deaths in the world but if timely diagnosis is carried out you can increase the survival rate and avoid deaths that are caused due to detection at the last stages.

Vydehi is one of the best cancer hospital in bangalore, recently vims started VOICE – Vydehi Oncology Institute and Center of Excellence.

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