Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer - cancer that forms in the prostate tissues and usually occurs to older men. Prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system, below the bladder, and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds parts of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of the semen.
Prostate cancer is usually found in older men. As men age, the prostate may get bigger and black the urethra or bladder, causing difficulty in urination or can interfere with sexual function. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although it is not cancer, surgery may be needed to correct it. An important element to remember is that the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or of other problems in the prostate may be similar to symptoms of prostate cancer.
A weak flow of urine or frequent urination could be possible signs of prostate cancer. Since other conditions may cause the same symptoms, a doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
· Trouble urinating
· Pain or burning during urination
· Blood in the urine or semen
· Weak or interrupted flow of urine
· Frequent urination (especially at night)
· A pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
Tests to detect, diagnose, and stage prostate cancer are:
Digital rectal exam (DRE) - an exam of the rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall for lumps or abnormal areas.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test - a test that measures the level of PSA in the blood since PSA is a substance made by the prostate. People with prostate cancer are found to have an increased amount in the blood. Such increase does not mean cancer as PSA levels may also be high in men who have infection or inflammation of the prostate.
Transrectal ultrasound - a procedure in which a probe is inserted into the rectum to check the prostate by bouncing high energy sound waves (ultrasound) off of internal tissues or organs. Echoes from the waves form a picture of body tissues.
Biopsy - the removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope. The pathologist will examine the biopsy sample to check for cancer cells and determine the Gleason score. Gleason score ranges from 2-10 and describes how likely it is that a tumor will spread. The lower the number, the less likely the tumor is to spread. There are 2 types of biopsy procedures used to diagnose prostate cancer:
Transrectal bipsy - the removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the rectum and into the prostate. This procedure is usually done using transrectal ultrasound to help guide the needle. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
Transperineal biopsy - the removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the skin between the scrotum and rectum and into the prostate. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, patient’s general health, and whether the cancer has been diagnosed or has recurred. Prognosis also depends on the Gleason score and on the PSA levels.
Prostate cancer - cancer that forms in the prostate tissues and usually occurs to older men. Prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system, below the bladder, and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds parts of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of the semen.
Prostate cancer is usually found in older men. As men age, the prostate may get bigger and black the urethra or bladder, causing difficulty in urination or can interfere with sexual function. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although it is not cancer, surgery may be needed to correct it. An important element to remember is that the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or of other problems in the prostate may be similar to symptoms of prostate cancer.
A weak flow of urine or frequent urination could be possible signs of prostate cancer. Since other conditions may cause the same symptoms, a doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
· Trouble urinating
· Pain or burning during urination
· Blood in the urine or semen
· Weak or interrupted flow of urine
· Frequent urination (especially at night)
· A pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
Tests to detect, diagnose, and stage prostate cancer are:
Digital rectal exam (DRE) - an exam of the rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall for lumps or abnormal areas.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test - a test that measures the level of PSA in the blood since PSA is a substance made by the prostate. People with prostate cancer are found to have an increased amount in the blood. Such increase does not mean cancer as PSA levels may also be high in men who have infection or inflammation of the prostate.
Transrectal ultrasound - a procedure in which a probe is inserted into the rectum to check the prostate by bouncing high energy sound waves (ultrasound) off of internal tissues or organs. Echoes from the waves form a picture of body tissues.
Biopsy - the removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope. The pathologist will examine the biopsy sample to check for cancer cells and determine the Gleason score. Gleason score ranges from 2-10 and describes how likely it is that a tumor will spread. The lower the number, the less likely the tumor is to spread. There are 2 types of biopsy procedures used to diagnose prostate cancer:
Transrectal bipsy - the removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the rectum and into the prostate. This procedure is usually done using transrectal ultrasound to help guide the needle. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
Transperineal biopsy - the removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the skin between the scrotum and rectum and into the prostate. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, patient’s general health, and whether the cancer has been diagnosed or has recurred. Prognosis also depends on the Gleason score and on the PSA levels.
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What is Cancer Glossary of Cancer/Treatment Terms Types of scans to detect cancer
Common Types of Cancer*
Bladder Cancer Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Leukemia (adult) Leukemia (child)
Lung Cancer Melanoma Pancreatic Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma) Thyroid Cancer
* Common Types of Cancer - cancers diagnosed with greatest frequency in the United States
What is Cancer Glossary of Cancer/Treatment Terms Types of scans to detect cancer
Common Types of Cancer*
Bladder Cancer Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Leukemia (adult) Leukemia (child)
Lung Cancer Melanoma Pancreatic Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma) Thyroid Cancer
* Common Types of Cancer - cancers diagnosed with greatest frequency in the United States
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© Copyright 2015. Cancer Crisis Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
home | about us |get involved | donate | resources | contact us
© Copyright 2015. Cancer Crisis Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.