Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment

Overview

The Prostate gland is located below the urinary bladder in men. Prostate cancer occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the tissues of the prostate. It is one of the most common cancers in men. Prostate cancer is usually seen in men after the age of 50 years but the risk increases with increasing age. Prostate cancer can spread to local tissues around the prostate, to lymph nodes and distant sites, most commonly bones.

Though the exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown; the following factors may increase the risk of prostate cancer:

Old age
Family history
Swelling or inflammation of prostate
Obesity
Eating high fatty food
Smoking
Low level of Vitamin D

Symptoms of prostate cancer are initially not different from non-cancerous enlargement of prostate (BPH). However, when it becomes advanced additional symptoms can occur. Usual symptoms are:

Frequent Urination
Facing difficulties in starting or stopping when trying to urinate or urinating
Constant need of urination, especially at night
A painful or burning sensation while urinating or ejaculating
Blood in urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Change in bowel habits
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Back pain, hip pain or pelvic pain

Adenocarcinoma - It is the most common type of prostate cancer that starts in the cells lining the ducts and tubes of the prostate gland. As cancer starts, the cells grow and multiply abnormally they interfere with the normal functioning of the tissue.
Other than adenocarcinoma, there can be transitional cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, signet ring cell carcinoma, and basal cell prostate cancer. These types are much less common than adenocarcinoma but are usually more aggressive.

Also Read about enlarged prostate surgery

There are many options available for prostate cancer treatment in India which might be used at different times depending on the cancer stage and current health state of the patient.

Watchful Waiting or Active Surveillance

In many cases, prostate cancer grows slowly, and therefore, immediate medical intervention may not be required. Watchful waiting or active surveillance approach is applicable for low-grade prostate cancers. It means that the cancer is monitored closely by keeping a tab on the changing symptoms and doing regular testing to decide the need for further treatment.

Surgery

If cancer has not spread outside the prostate gland, radical prostatectomy is performed, in which a surgeon removes the entire prostate gland along with the tissues around it. Such surgery can be carried out by laparoscopic approach or by robotic approach leading to less patient discomfort and faster recovery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses high-energy x-rays, gamma rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be divided into external beam radiation and brachytherapy (internal radiation). In external radiation therapy, high-energy x-ray beams are directed at a tumour from outside the body. In case of internal radiation, doctors for prostate cancer treatment in India will place a radioactive source directly inside or near the tumour.

Hormone Therapy

This therapy is used for reducing the level of male hormones (androgens) as well as restrain them from affecting the prostate cancer cells. It is also called Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) and Androgen Suppression Therapy. Lower androgen levels lead to shrinkage in the size of the prostate cancer and restrict their growth.

Chemotherapy

In this the drugs are given by injection in the vein or orally to kill cancer cells and reduce tumor size. This approach is finding increasing use in prostate cancer, especially high grade.

Vaccination

Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) is a cancer vaccination given to boost the body’s immunity system to attack the prostate cancer cells. This vaccine is specifically made for every patient with the help of their white blood cells.

Just as prostate cancer treatment affects physically, it also affects the way the patient thinks and feels. While, a patient will be happy to know that it is the end of the treatment, deep inside there will be a fear of its recurrence. Just as it is essential to take care of the body after the treatment, it is essential to take care of the emotions too. It is the time to take care of your mental health, and the following tips would help:

Share your feelings with your loved ones
Eat a balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Add any physical activities, like yoga, exercise, etc., to your daily routine
Vent out both your positive and negative emotions
Keep yourself busy in those activities which can take your mind off your fears
Rest well

You may expect the worst when it’s time for your next follow-up appointments after prostate cancer treatment. However, don’t let that feeling stop you from going. Make use of the time to discuss your current health state and ask questions about any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Your doctor may also conduct some tests to get a better idea of your current health state. Ask about your fear of recurrence and what signs to watch for. Follow-up appointments help you know more about your health which will undoubtedly give better control over the situation.

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Prostate Cancer

Overview

Prostate Cancer Causes