A malignant tumor of the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, after skin cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men, after lung cancer. The exact cause is not known, but age is a factor: prostate cancer is rare in men younger than age 50. Heredity also plays a role; men whose fathers or brothers have had the disease, particularly when young, are at higher risk. It is twice as common among blacks as among whites, and blacks tend to develop it at a younger age. Diet (especially a high-fat diet) may also play a role.
A malignant tumor in the prostate gland represents one of the most frequently occurring cancers in men. While the root cause of this cancer is not yet identified, the male hormone testosterone has been observed to affect the rate of tumor growth and its spread. Men with a family history of prostate cancer face a heightened risk of developing the condition, which predominantly impacts older men.
An enlarged prostate can lead to symptoms such as trouble initiating urination, weak urine flow, and a frequent need to urinate. If a tumor obstructs the urethra, the channel that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body, or if the cancer extends to the ureters, the tubes connecting each kidney to the bladder, urination may ultimately be completely blocked.
In certain instances, urinary symptoms may be absent, and the initial indications might only surface when the cancer has spread to other areas. These secondary signs could include bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing due to lung tumors, and weight loss.
Screening for potential prostate cancer may be conducted on older men or those suspected of having the condition. The screening process includes tests to measure the concentration of a protein known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood and a rectal examination. Elevated PSA levels could indicate an early stage of prostate cancer, while the rectal exam allows a healthcare provider to evaluate the gland’s size and firmness.
To confirm a diagnosis, a transrectal ultrasound, which involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the rectum, and a biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken for examination, are typically performed. Additional diagnostic steps may include blood tests and a bone scan.
There is a range of medical viewpoints on the best course of action for treating localized prostate cancer. In older men with small, non-spreading tumors, watchful waiting without immediate treatment may be advised. In contrast, younger men might undergo treatments like prostatectomy, which involves removing the prostate gland, or radiotherapy.
In numerous instances, advanced-stage disease can be managed for several years using medication or through orchidectomy, which is the surgical removal of part or all of the testicles.