FAQ for Prostrate Cancer
1. What is prostate cancer?
The prostate gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer caused by the formation of malignant tumor in the tissue of the prostate.
2. What is metastatic prostate cancer?
Sometimes, cancer cells break away from the malignant tumor in the prostate and enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system and travel to other organs in the body. This is called metastatic prostate cancer.
3. Can a man survive prostate cancer?
Yes. Men are surviving prostate cancer. In fact, the number of deaths from prostate cancer has declined. If detected early, the disease can be cured.
4. What is the cause?
The exact cause of prostrate is not known. It may include:
- Run in some families
- Be related to diet
- Arise due to an imbalance of certain body chemicals or growth factors
5. What are symptoms of prostrate cancer?
The symptoms are
- Poor urinary stream
- Frequent urination
- Obstruction to urine flow
In this condition, the prostrate gland enlarges and presses on the urethra. Loss of appetite and loss of weight are additional symptoms. If the cancer has spread, there may be pain in the spine or back or in advanced cases, in the lower abdomen or even around the rectum.
6. How is prostrate cancer diagnosed?
Prostrate cancer can be diagnosed through blood tests, which shows a raised value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). X-rays, ultrasound scan, CT, MRI or bone scans may be done to determine the spread of the disease. The diagnosis can be confirmed through biopsy.
7. What is the treatment?
If the disease is localized to the prostate gland, the entire prostate gland is removed surgically (radical prostatectomy).
The other form of treatment is radiotherapy, in which deep penetrating X-rays are used to burn the cancer cells of the prostate. This treatment is given over several weeks and may be associated with side-effects like pain, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum or in the urine, lower abdominal discomfort and, rarely, impotence.
If the disease is advanced or if there is a recurrence then hormonal control of the disease is attempted. This is achieved by using medicines like goserelin or by removing both the testes of the patient (orchidectomy).
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: September 05, 2009