Monday, March 25, 2024

What Does Prostate Cancer Mean

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What Causes Prostate Cancer And Am I At Risk

Prostate Cancer: What Does My Low PSA Test Score Mean?

Every man is at risk for prostate cancer as he ages. Although prostate cancer can affect younger men, about 6 out of 10 cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. The average age of diagnosis is 66. After non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer each year.

Although there are several known risk factors for getting prostate cancer, no one knows exactly why one man gets it and another doesn’t. Some important risk factors for prostate cancer are:

The Gleason Score: What Does It Mean

The Gleason score functions as a measurement of the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

Aggressiveness is the medical term used to describe the likelihood of the tumor spreading outside the prostate gland.

You will get receive a Gleason score after having a prostate biopsy.

Your doctor may recommend a biopsy if your PSA level rises or there is cause for concern after your annual checkup or a digital rectal exam , such as an increase in prostate volume or nodules and legions.

Modern biopsies are typically performed using transrectal ultrasound guidance, whereas older methods were unassisted these are called random needle biopsies. By using ultrasound guidance, the doctor can take a more accurate and evenly distributed sample from the prostate gland.

Normally twelve separate cores are extracted. After which they are sent to a laboratory.

At the laboratory, a pathologist examines the tissue cores using a microscope to see if they contain cancerous cells.

If the pathologist finds evidence of prostate cancer cells in the sample, he will attempt to match your samples with Gleason guidelines. These guidelines are scored between one and five.

Your Gleason score is made up of two of these guidelines, and therefore, your score can range from two to ten.

It is then put into a pathology report sometimes called a biopsy report, that will be sent to your primary care physician.

For more information on prostate biopsies click here.

Effects On Pituitary System

commonly develops after radiation therapy for sellar and parasellar neoplasms, extrasellar brain tumours, head and neck tumours, and following whole body irradiation for systemic malignancies. Radiation-induced hypopituitarism mainly affects and . In contrast, and deficiencies are the least common among people with radiation-induced hypopituitarism. Changes in -secretion is usually mild, and vasopressin deficiency appears to be very rare as a consequence of radiation.

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Can Too Much Sex Cause Prostate Cancer

There are many myths about why prostate cancer develops. However, there is no evidence that “too much sex,” masturbation, benign prostatic hyperplasia , or a vasectomy increases the risk or causes prostate cancer. Current research is investigating if STDs, prostatitis, or alcohol use increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Clinical Trials And Future Directions

Prostate Cancer treatment

Men with CRPC are living longer and with improved quality of life, but most patients, if not all, eventually succumb to their disease and better treatments are required. Several new agents are being studied in a pre-chemotherapy setting, in combination with docetaxel as well as in the post-docetaxel setting. It is hoped that the near future will lead to more therapeutic options for patients with CRPC. Because CRPC remains an incurable and ultimately fatal illness, participation in clinical trials at all stages of the disease remains paramount.

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Prostate Cancer Gleason Score

Biopsy samples from the prostate gland are examined by a pathologist. The pathologist makes determinations based on the samples as to the aggressiveness of the cancer. This determination is called the Gleason score.

How the Gleason Score Is Determined

The pathologist gives the prostate biopsy tissue a grade of 1 to 5, with 5 as the worst grade of tumor pattern. Then the pathologist looks at the individual cells in the tumor pattern and grades the cell types from 1 to 5 with 5 being the most aggressive cancer cell type. The Gleason score is based on the sum of these two numbers . A Gleason score of 5 + 5 = 10 indicates a highly aggressive prostate tumor while a low score indicates a less aggressive cancer.

History Of Untreated Prostate Cancer

The course of prostate cancer in the absence of treatment has been evaluated both in observational studies and randomized trials. Most of the evidence on the outcomes of men that are not treated for prostate cancer comes from those diagnosed in the era prior to when the disease was diagnosed at a more advanced state.

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How Does Prostate Cancer Metastasize Or Spread

Metastatic prostate cancer is the result of cancer cells breaking free from the original tumor. These cells often go into the lymph nodes that filter bacteria and viruses. Cancer cells may settle in the lymph nodes. They can also make their way through the bloodstream to bones and organs. When cancer cells settle in these distant parts of the body, they start to multiply and form new tumors.

Myths About Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer: What Does Watchful Waiting Mean?

Here are some things that will not cause prostate cancer: Too much sex, a vasectomy, and masturbation. If you have an enlarged prostate , that does not mean you are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers are still studying whether alcohol use, STDs, or prostatitis play a role in the development of prostate cancer.

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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.

How Important Is The Gleason Score

The Gleason score is very important in predicting the behavior of a prostate cancer and determining the best treatment options. Still, other factors are also important, such as:

  • The blood PSA level
  • How much of each core is made up of cancer
  • The number of cores that contain cancer
  • Whether cancer was found in both sides of the prostate
  • Whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate

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Prognosis For Prostate Cancer

It is not possible for a doctor to predict the exact course of a disease, as it will depend on each person’s individual circumstances. However, your doctor may give you a prognosis, the likely outcome of the disease, based on the type of prostate cancer you have, the test results, the rate of tumour growth, as well as your age, fitness and medical history.

Prostate cancer often grows slowly and even more aggressive types tend to grow more slowly than other types of cancer. If diagnosed early, prostate cancer has one of the highest five year survival rates.

Resources For More Information

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer research globally. Also provides information about prostate cancer, treatment and resources to help patients and families.

Us Too

Offers peer-to-peer support and educational materials to help men and their families/caregivers make informed decisions about prostate cancer detection, treatment options and related side effects.

http://www.ustoo.org/Home

MaleCare

Provides cancer support for men with anal, prostate and breast cancer, with emphasis on African-American and gay males. Provides multiple language support.

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Digital Rectal Exam And Psa Test

Two tests are particularly helpful in screening for prostate cancer.

Digital rectal exam

A DRE is done to determine if the prostate is enlarged and is either soft, has bumps or is very firm . During a digital rectal exam, a doctor checks for prostate abnormalities using a gloved, lubricated finger .

PSA Test

Another test is done on a blood sample to determine the level of a protein produced by prostate cells. The PSA test may indicate a person has a higher chance of having prostate cancer but controversies about the test exist . The patient and his doctor need to carefully consider the meaning and the use of these test results.

Treatment For Bladder Cancer Depends On Your Overall Health Progression Of The C

Information is a powerful weapon against uncertainty and fear, and you can use this to your advantage. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, according to the mayo clinic. A diagnosis of lung cancer naturally causes some overwhelming emotions, but you don’t have to let those emotions get the best of you. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. Although it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in american women, breast cancer can impact people of all genders. However, as with other types of cancer,. Treatment for bladder cancer depends on your overall health, progression of the c. Not only does the stage tell you how serious the disease is, but it can help you and. Staging tells you how advanced the cancer is, how big it is in the prostate, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the nearby lymph nodes, liver, and bone. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women after skin cancer but that doesn’t mean men aren’t at risk as well. A cancer diagnosis can leave you unable to comprehend anything else your doctor says, but it’s important to pay attention to what stage of cancer you have. When malignant cancer cells form and grow within a person’s breast tissue, breast cancer occurs.

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How Is Prostate Cancer Staged

With these tests, a stage is assigned to help decide the treatment plan. The stage of cancer, or extent of disease, is based on information gathered through the various tests as the diagnosis and work-up of the cancer is being performed.

Prostate cancer is most commonly staged using the TNM system plus the Gleason score. The TNM system is used to describe many types of cancers. In prostate cancer it has four components:

  • T- Describes the extent of the “primary” tumor .
  • N- Describes if there is cancer in the lymph nodes.
  • M- Describes if there is spread to other organs .
  • G- Describes the Gleason score and takes into account the PSA and the histologic grade of the tumor.

The staging system is very complex. The entire staging system is outlined at the end of this article. Though complicated, the staging system helps healthcare providers determine the extent of the cancer, and in turn, make treatment decisions for a patient’s cancer.

Information Is A Powerful Weapon Against Uncertainty And Fear And You Can Use This To Your Advantage

What Does Gleason 9 & 10 Mean? | Ask a Prostate Expert, Mark Scholz, MD

Not only does the stage tell you how serious the disease is, but it can help you and. Of course, your specialist is the main person whose advice you should follow but it doesn’t do anyone harm. It may grow slowly and it’s typically treatable. Although it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in american women, breast cancer can impact people of all genders. A diagnosis of lung cancer naturally causes some overwhelming emotions, but you don’t have to let those emotions get the best of you. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. However, as with other types of cancer,. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, according to the mayo clinic. When malignant cancer cells form and grow within a person’s breast tissue, breast cancer occurs. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men. There are a number of different treatments doctors recommend. But hearing the words can still be scary. The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patient’s chance of survival is.

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What Does It Mean When There Are Different Core Samples With Different Gleason Scores

Cores may be samples from different areas of the same tumor or different tumors in the prostate. Because the grade may vary within the same tumor or between different tumors, different samples taken from your prostate may have different Gleason scores. Typically, the highest Gleason score will be the one used by your doctor for predicting your prognosis and deciding on treatment options.

How Do You Know If You Have Prostate Cancer

Theres no way of knowing if you have prostate cancer without visiting your doctor, as most men with early prostate cancer dont have any symptoms. And if you do have symptoms they can be caused by other things.

And you cant check for prostate cancer yourself.

You may want to speak to your GP if you’re over 50 , even if you don’t have any symptoms. These are all things that can increase your risk of prostate cancer. Your GP can give more information or tests if necessary.

If youre not sure about what to say to your GP, print and fill out this form and show it to them. This will help you have the conversation.

I thought I could be at risk after learning that African Caribbean men are more likely to get prostate cancer than white men.

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Stages Of Prostate Cancer

Doctors combine the T, N, and M results with the Gleason score and PSA level in a process called stage grouping. The system uses Roman numerals from I to IV . The stage helps your doctor choose the best course of treatment for you.

Stage I

  • The cancer is growing in your prostate but hasnât spread beyond it.
  • In most cases, the doctor canât feel the tumor during a DRE or see it in imaging tests.
  • The Gleason score is 6 or less, and the PSA level is less than 10.
  • The tumor is in half or less of one side of the prostate.

Stage IIA

  • The cancer is growing in your prostate but hasnât spread beyond it.
  • The doctor may or may not be able to feel the tumor during a DRE or see it on an imaging test.
  • The tumor can touch more than half of one lobe of the prostate but doesnât involve both lobes.
  • The Gleason score is 7 or less, and the PSA level is less than 20.

Stage IIB

  • The cancer is growing in your prostate but hasnât spread beyond it.
  • The doctor may or may not be able to feel the tumor during a DRE or see it on an imaging test.
  • The tumor can be in one or both lobes of the prostate.
  • The Gleason score is 7, and the PSA level is less than 20.

Stage IIC

  • The cancer hasn’t spread beyond the prostate.
  • The doctor may or may not be able to feel the tumor during a DRE or see it on an imaging test.
  • The tumor can be in one or both lobes of the prostate.
  • The Gleason score is 7 or 8, and the PSA level is less than 20.
  • The cancer cells appear more abnormal than in stage IIB.

Stage IIIA

Prostate Cancer Treatment: Prostate Cancer Surgery

Prostate Cancer Overview: Signs, Symptoms, Screening, and ...

Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. Usually, this treatment is performed when the cancer is located only in the prostate gland. New surgical techniques help avoid damage to nerves, but the surgery may still have the side effects of erectile dysfunction and impaired urinary control. However, these side effects may gradually improve in some patients. Surgeons today may use robotic technique to assist in the operation.

Tips: Coping With Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common complication for men following prostate cancer surgery, and this problem can persist even five years after the surgery takes place. In one survey of 111 men published in 2003, 69% reported incontinence after prostate surgery. Most of these men used pelvic muscle exercises to help. Many used containment devices, including pads, special underwear, and sanitary napkins to manage incontinence.

Here are some post-surgical incontinence tips:

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Questions To Ask Your Doctor

To help understand the progression of prostate cancer, discuss these questions with your doctors:

  • What is my Gleason score?
  • Has the cancer spread outside my prostate?
  • Whats my prostate cancer stage?
  • Are other tests needed to determine my cancer stage?
  • What are the treatment options for my stage of cancer?
  • Can I avoid treatment right now and go on active surveillance?

What Are The Treatments For Prostate Cancer

There are many different ways to treat prostate cancer. For prostate cancer, it is important that you get a second opinion and you will most likely be consulting multiple types of healthcare providers before making a final decision. You should talk to both urologists and radiation oncologists to hear about the benefits and risks of surgery, hormonal therapy and radiation in your particular case. If your prostate cancer has already spread at the time of diagnosis, you will also need a medical oncologist to talk about chemotherapy. The most important thing is to review your options and make a decision that best suits your lifestyle, beliefs and values.

Active Surveillance

Surgery

Surgery is a common form of treatment for men with prostate cancer. Surgery attempts to cure prostate cancer by removing the entire prostate and getting all of the cancer out of the body. An attempt at a surgical cure for prostate cancer is usually done with early stage prostate cancers. However, sometimes surgery will be used to relieve symptoms in advanced stage prostate cancers.

Talk to your surgeon about their complication rates before your operation. With surgery, urinary incontinence and impotence are often most severe right after the operation and generally get better with time. There are things that your providers can recommend to help you with either of these problems. Talk to your urologist about your options.

Radiation

Hormonal Deprivation Therapy

Chemotherapy

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