Prostate Cancer
Overview
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
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
- 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.
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 closed 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, prostate cancer doctor 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 the 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
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