What Exactly Is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of the glandular cells in the prostate.;
It is one of the most common types of cancer occurring in men after 50-60 years of age, aside from skin cancer. Cellular growth in the gland may be benign prostatic hyperplasia or malignant.;
Almost all the cancers of the prostate are adenocarcinomas which occur by the growth of cells in the glands in the prostate. Others may include small cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and transitional cell carcinomas.;
Some prostate cancers proliferate rapidly, others may grow slowly invading the nearby structures. The common route of spread may be via blood or lymph nodes.;
Gleason Score For Grading Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is also given a grade called a Gleason score. This score is based on how much the cancer looks like healthy tissue when viewed under a microscope. Less aggressive tumors generally look more like healthy tissue. Tumors that are more aggressive are likely to grow and spread to other parts of the body. They look less like healthy tissue.
The Gleason scoring system is the most common prostate cancer grading system used. The pathologist looks at how the cancer cells are arranged in the prostate and assigns a score on a scale of 3 to 5 from 2 different locations. Cancer cells that look similar to healthy cells receive a low score. Cancer cells that look less like healthy cells or look more aggressive receive a higher score. To assign the numbers, the pathologist determines the main pattern of cell growth, which is the area where the cancer is most obvious, and then looks for another area of growth. The doctor then gives each area a score from 3 to 5. The scores are added together to come up with an overall score between 6 and 10.
Gleason scores of 5 or lower are not used. The lowest Gleason score is 6, which is a low-grade cancer. A Gleason score of 7 is a medium-grade cancer, and a score of 8, 9, or 10 is a high-grade cancer. A lower-grade cancer grows more slowly and is less likely to spread than a high-grade cancer.
Deaths From Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 3.1 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.
Our team is made up of doctors and;oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
American Cancer Society. Facts & Figures 2021. American Cancer Society. Atlanta, Ga. 2021.
National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Prostate Cancer. Accessed at https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html on March 15, 2019.
Noone AM, Howlader N, Krapcho M, Miller D, Brest A, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA . SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2015, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2015/, based on November 2017 SEER data;submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2018.
American Cancer Society. Facts & Figures 2021. American Cancer Society. Atlanta, Ga. 2021.
National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Prostate Cancer. Accessed at https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html on March 15, 2019.
Last Revised: January 12, 2021
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Risk Of Prostate Cancer
About 1 man in 8;will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men at diagnosis is about 66.
Pain In The Lower Pelvic Area
Cornell also says that as prostate cancer becomes more advanced, you may also experience a dull pain in your lower pelvic area. Its described as being very similar to the pain you feel when you have a toothacheânot the type of pain or soreness you would feel after a hard workout. And for misconceptions about your well-being, check out 20 Worst Mens Health Myths That Just Wont Die.
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Genetic Testing For Prostate Cancer
You may hear a lot about genetics or genomics. Both terms are related to genes and cell DNA, but they are different. These tests are being used to learn more about the DNA of cancer cells, and link DNA mutations with treatments. In the future, genetic testing may be the first step doctors take when diagnosing prostate cancer.
Screening For Prostate Cancer
There are no tests available with sufficient accuracy to screen populations of men for early signs of prostate cancer.;However, early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival.
The test most commonly used to aid early detection of prostate cancer is the prostate specific antigen blood test. This is not a diagnostic test as it can only indicate changes in the prostate. If you are concerned about prostate cancer you should talk to your doctor and make an informed choice about whether to have one of the tests designed to find early signs of prostate cancer, in view of the potential risks and benefits.
There are no proven measures to prevent prostate cancer.
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Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer
Screening is important to detect prostate cancer at an early stage. Following diagnostic techniques are helpful:
Digital Rectal Examination : Your doctor may insert his figure through your rectum to feel the enlarged prostate or its modularity. This test is not specific to cancer. An enlarged hypertrophic prostate may simulate cancer.
Prostate-Specific Antigen : PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland. If the amount of PSA in urine is more, the likelihood of prostate cancer is more. However, benign prostatic hyperplasia may also aggravate the PSA level.;
Transrectal ultrasound of prostate: Ultrasound can detect the hyperplastic prostate or its nodular nature. Usually, an ultrasound is followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.;
Prostate Biopsy: Tissue is taken from the gland by inserting a needle. Biopsy confirms the nature of prostate cancer.;;
Women Have About A 1 In 8 Chance Of Getting Breast Cancer But It Might Surprise You More To Learn 1 In 7 Men Will Get Prostate Cancer
Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. Women have about a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer, but it might surprise you more to learn 1 in 7 men will get prostate cancer. May is bladder cancer awareness month, a time of year when the urology care foundation, the world’s leading nonprofit urological. The international agency for research on cancer estimates that in 2020 colorectal cancer was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer type in the world, with almost 2 million new cases. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men. May is dedicated to spreading awareness about skin cancer, the most common cancer, which affects 1 in 5 americans by the age of 70. However, as with other types of cancer,. Should you get screened for prostate cancer? But hearing the words can still be scary. Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide and the sixth most common cancer in the united states. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. Being armed with information is vital to begin the fight. Before getting a psa test, learn about the possible risks.
1 in 5 americans will devel prostate cancer month. Before getting a psa test, learn about the possible risks.
Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. 1 in 5 americans will devel. The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patient’s chance of survival is.
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How Is Prostate Cancer Treated
For many men with prostate cancer, treatment is not immediately necessary.
If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, your doctor may suggest either “watchful waiting” or “active surveillance”.
The best option depends on your age and overall health. Both options involve carefully monitoring your condition.
Some cases of prostate cancer can be cured if treated in the early stages.
Treatments include:
- radiotherapy either on its own or alongside hormone therapy
Some cases are only diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer has spread.
If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body and cannot be cured, treatment is focused on prolonging life and relieving symptoms.
All treatment options carry the risk of significant side effects, including erectile dysfunction and urinary symptoms, such as needing to use the toilet more urgently or more often.
For this reason, some men choose to delay treatment until there’s a risk the cancer might spread.
Newer treatments, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound and cryotherapy, aim to reduce these side effects.
Some hospitals may offer them as an alternative to surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy.
But the long-term effectiveness of these treatments is not known yet.
What Should I Do If I Have Prostate Cancer Symptoms
If you are displaying one or more signs of prostate cancer, be sure to promptly consult with a physician. Even benign prostate conditions like prostate enlargement warrant timely medical attention, so dont delay seeking treatment. And, like most other malignancies, prostate cancer is usually more easily treated when it is detected at an early stage.
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Prostate Cancer Risk Groups
In addition to stage, doctors may use other prognostic factors to help plan the best treatment and predict how successful treatment will be. Examples of these include the National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk group categories and the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment risk score from University of California, San Francisco.
Information about the cancers stage and other prognostic factors will help the doctor recommend a specific treatment plan. The next section in this guide is Types of Treatment. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.
Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented
There are no clear prevention strategies for prostate cancer. There is some conflicting evidence that a healthy diet composed of low fat, high vegetables and fruits may help reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Routine screening, with PSA blood test and physical exam, is important to detect prostate cancer at an early stage. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also critical in maintaining good health and preventing disease in general.;
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Burning Or Pain During Urination
The most common cause of pain or burning when urinating is a bladder infection, Paulson says. However, if your urine test comes back negative for infection or the burning and pain is persistent, be sure to dig a little deeper and check your prostate. It could be an easily missed sign of prostate cancer, she says.
Causes Of Prostate Cancer
Its not satisfactory what causes prostate malignant growth. It develops with the alteration of DNA.;
The DNA of a cell is responsible for its guidance during the growth period. All the directions of growth and development of cells are present in their DNA. DNA changes result in rapid proliferation and division of the cells in the prostate resulting in aggressive growth.;
The unusual cells keep living when different cells would die. The gathering abnormal cells form a tumor that can proliferate to invade the neighboring tissues. On schedule, some unusual cells can split away and spread to different pieces of the body.
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What Causes Prostate Cancer
Researchers do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer. But they have found some risk factors and are trying to learn just how these factors might cause prostate cells to become cancer cells.
On a basic level, prostate cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of a normal prostate cell. DNA is the chemical in our cells that makes up our genes, which control how our cells function. We usually look like our parents because they are the source of our DNA. But DNA affects more than just how we look.
Some genes control when our cells grow, divide into new cells, and die:
- Certain genes that help cells grow, divide, and stay alive are called oncogenes.
- Genes that normally keep cell growth under control, repair mistakes in DNA, or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes.
Cancer can be caused by DNA mutations that keep oncogenes turned on, or that turn off tumor suppressor genes. These types of gene changes can lead to cells growing out of control.
DNA changes can either be inherited from a parent or can be acquired during a persons lifetime.
Who Gets Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is rarely diagnosed in men younger than 40. Still, by age 50, its common for men to experience changes;in the size and shape of the cells in the prostate. Understanding whether these changes are signs of a tumor and knowing your risk for developing prostate cancer are important steps in protecting your health.
Besides age, other risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Race: Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other racesand are more likely to die from the disease.
- Family history: The risk of developing prostate cancer is higher among people who have an immediate family member, such as a father, brother or son, who had or currently has prostate cancer.
- Inherited genetic changes: Several inherited mutations are associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. Mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are one example. An inherited condition called Lynch syndrome;is also associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer, among other types of cancer.
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Can Women Get Prostate Cancer
Women do not have a prostate gland, therefore, they cannot develop the prostate cancer that affects men. However, some people refer to a womans Skenes glands as the female prostate.
Maslow emphasizes, Women do not have a prostate.;; They do not need to worry about prostate cancer.;We do appropriate screenings for female patients.
The Skenes glands are the two small ducts located in front of the vaginal wall and along both sides of the urethra. These glands are not the same as prostate glands in men, though they function similarly in how they drain fluids into the urethra.
Cancer in the Skenes glands is extremely rare and accounts for an estimated 0.003% of female cancers that originate in the urinary tract and genitals. The primary symptom of this cancer is bleeding out of the urethra. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you are female and experience abnormal bleeding from your vagina or urethra.
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What Are 5 Common Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
In many cases, prostate cancer does not produce clear symptoms in its initial stages of development. In fact, many men may have prostate cancer without even realizing it.;However, there are some common warning signs that could indicate a person has prostate cancer. Five of the most common ones include:
Of course, these five symptoms are not the only potential warning signs of prostate cancer. Other possible indicators could include weak urine flow, and unexplained pain deep in the groin area when sitting down. If cancer has spread beyond the prostate, a man may also suffer lower body swelling, abnormal urinary or bowel habits, or inexplicable weight loss.
Its important to note that most of these symptoms are not unique to prostate cancer, and may indicate a different condition that is not life-threatening.
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Common Prostate Cancer Symptoms
- Urinary frequency: Men with prostate cancer may feel the need to urinate more often, particularly at night.
- Urinary retention: Prostate cancer may cause the sensation of not being able to empty your bladder completely.
- Weak urinary stream: Some men with prostate cancer may feel that their urinary stream is diminished or that they dribble urine.
- Difficulty initiating urination: It may be difficult to begin urinating in some men suffering from prostate cancer.
- Painful urination: Urinating may cause pain or discomfort in some cases of prostate cancer.
- Blood in the urine: Prostate cancer can result in blood in the urine in some men.
- Painful ejaculation: Some men suffering from prostate cancer experience pain with ejaculation.
Is Prostate Cancer Common
Did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men?;
Thats why its so important to do regular screenings.;
And if youre a dad, or plan on being one, this blog post will be especially helpful for you!;;
The prostate gland produces fluids that are part of semen and make up some of its volumes.;
Prostate cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells within the prostate gland.;
This blog post can help explain both what causes prostate cancer and how to prevent it from spreading further.;
It also has information about treatments for prostate cancer if your doctor diagnoses it with one.;
So read on and learn more about this potentially life-threatening disease!
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Blood In Urine Or Semen
Bleeding is a common symptom in many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Cancer cells divide rapidly and create new tissue that grows very large. If they do not create new blood vessels, the excess tissue will die from starvation. Thus, they trigger something called angiogenesis, that is, new blood vessel creation.
These blood vessels are abnormal, often fragile, and prone to bleeding. Plus, we have inflammation in prostate cancer. There are more blood vessels, and they increase their blood flow due to inflammation.
The urine goes through the prostatic portion of the urethra. The prostate gland partly releases the seminal fluid. Thus, theres a clear rationale as to why patients with prostate cancer notice blood in the urine and semen. However, this sign is unlikely to be the first one to show up in a patient with prostate cancer.
Males with blood in the semen due to prostate cancer usually had previous urinary symptoms described above. In some cases, they neglected their condition, attributed the disease to something normal as we age, or got used to the symptoms and didnt realize their progression.