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Prostate cancer is a globally common ailment that affects men. As it develops gradually, its symptoms usually do not appear early. As it progresses, symptoms such as altered urination, erectile dysfunction, and discomfort appear. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are important, as in any disease.
Prostate cancer symptoms are varied, including urinary disorders, frequent urination, blood in the semen, and erectile difficulties. Treatment avenues range from careful observation for low-risk cases to surgical procedures, radiation therapy, hormonal intervention, and chemotherapy for advanced scenarios. Regular screenings and visits to medical professionals allow for early detection and the best treatment.
This article will mention what prostate cancer is and its causes. In the article, you can also read about the symptoms of prostate cancer and how prostate cancer is managed or treated.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a common disease that develops in the prostate. The prostate is known as a small walnut-shaped glade below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. Prostate cancer should be taken seriously; the quicker it is diagnosed, the more chance there is for the best treatment. There are different types of prostate cancer. Some of the types of prostate cancer are listed below:
- Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is most likely adenocarcinoma.
- Sarcomas are developed in bone and connective tissue. Sarcoma is a rare type of prostate cancer.
- Small cell carcinomas are known as another rare type of prostate cancer.
- Neuroendocrine tumors: These uncommon tumors develop in the neuroendocrine system. Early diagnosis helps medical experts deal with tumors better.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers for men's health. As of today, medical providers do not know what changes cause the cells in the prostate to become cancerous. What experts are sure of is that prostate cancer is growing very slowly.
The cancer cells do not die in the body and keep developing until they become a tumor. We do not know the causes of prostate cancer, but we know the risks that cause it. Some of the risky situations for prostate cancer are listed below:
- Age: As you age, the risk is higher for prostate cancer.
- Family history: If one of your family members had prostate cancer in the past, you have a higher than average risk of getting prostate cancer.
- Genetics: Your genetic structure plays a vital role in getting prostate cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking is one of the potential risk factors.
- Obesity: Along with being a smoker, your risk factors are doubled if you are overweight.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
There are different signs of prostate cancer. Some of them can be lined up as follows:
- Urine changes: Difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted flow, frequent urination
- Blood in urine or semen: Discoloration or presence of blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
- Bone pain: Advanced cases of prostate cancer can cause bone pain, especially in the spine, hips, or ribs.
It's crucial to remember that these indications can also arise from non-cancerous factors like an enlarged prostate or urinary tract infections. If any of these symptoms manifest or you harbor worries about your prostate's well-being, seeking guidance from a medical expert for a thorough assessment and diagnosis is advised. They may ask for a prostate cancer test from you. Timely identification plays a pivotal role in adeptly addressing prostate cancer.
How Is Prostate Cancer Managed or Treated?
The treatment of prostate cancer depends on different factors, like how fast the cancer is growing and reaches its stage. In the early stages, prostate cancer may not need treatment. You may be asked for active surveillance by your doctor during this period. Active surveillance may be followed up with regular blood tests, rectal exams, and prostate biopsies.
Surgery is one of the main treatments to cure prostate cancer. The surgeon removes the prostate gland and surrounding tissues where cancer has spread or has a risk of spreading.
Radiation therapy and freezing prostate tissue are among the other treatment options for cancer.
