The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, where it helps to produce and store seminal fluid. In order to function correctly, the prostate requires male hormones, called androgens, such as testosterone, which also cause characteristics including male muscle mass and facial hair. The prostate is located in the pelvis and in an adult male the gland is approximately 3 cm long and weighs around 20grams. Prostate cancer develops when cells mutate and multiply uncontrollably in the prostate. Such cells can spread to other areas of the body, particularly lymph nodes and bones.
Risk factors The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age, particularly after fifty years. For reasons that are not fully understood, ethnicity also appears to be a factor and family history can be an indicator of a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. A diet that is high in fat, along with obesity, is thought to possibly increase testosterone production and the development of cancer cells in the prostate. Although as yet inconclusive, some research indicates that fertility can also be a factor and that there is an increased risk for men who have undergone a vasectomy. Also testosterone stimulates prostate gland growth and men with high levels of the hormone are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer.
Symptoms In its early stages prostate cancer usually develops without exhibiting any symptoms. However when a tumor causes the prostate gland to swell to a significant degree, or cancer spreads to areas beyond the prostate, a range of symptoms can result due to a blockage. Such symptoms can include; increased frequency of urination, problems starting or stopping urination, a painful burning sensation or blood in urine. At a more advanced stage, prostate cancer symptoms include; stiffness or pain in the thighs, lower back, pelvis or ribs. Other symptoms are tiredness, nausea and vomiting, weight loss and poor appetite. Men experiencing such things should seek medical advice.
Diagnosis If there are no symptoms present, two tests are generally used when looking for prostate cancer. They are the digital rectal exam and a blood test, in which “prostate-specific antigen” (PSA) is detected. Together these tests are able to abnormalities that could be indicators of prostate cancer. However neither test is conclusive and a diagnosis can only be confirmed following the examination of cells taken from prostate tissue.
Treatments The choice of treatment for prostate cancer depends upon factors such as the size of a tumor, whether it has spread, age, general level of health and personal preference. Options available include; "active surveillance”, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone treatment to reduce tumor size and surgical removal of the prostate gland.
