One of the most common cancers that affect men is the prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer affects nearly 185,000 men in the United States alone every year. Fortunately if the cancer is detected early, there are a variety of treatment options available today that help in curing and prolonging the life span of the individual.
The Prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system which is a chestnut shaped in appearance and is made up of 30 to 50 small glands put together. It is located below the urinary bladder. The prostate gland secretes an alkaline milky secretion that is added to the seminal discharge during ejaculation, which helps in protecting the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina. When malignant cells develop in the prostate gland, it leads to prostate cancer which is known as prostate adenocarcinoma. In the initial stages, small changes take place in the shape and size of the prostate gland which is known as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). The cancer grows slowly, but some cancers may spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Screening techniques
A digital rectal exam is done in which a gloved finger is inserted by the doctor into the rectum and the prostate gland is felt for any abnormal lumps. In men who have prostate cancer, prostate specific antigen (PSA) produced by the prostate gland is found more in the blood. These levels can also be high in people having an enlarged prostate or infection with the prostate gland. To check the levels of PSA, the prostate specific antigen test is done. In another diagnostic test called as the transrectal ultrasound, a probe is passed into the rectum through which sound waves are passed. These sound waves hit the internal organs and bounce from them forming an echo. These echoes capture the picture of the internal organs which is called as a sonogram. A biopsy procedure is done to check if there are any cancerous cells. If a sample of tissue is taken from the prostate gland through the rectum, it is known as transrectal biopsy and if the prostate gland is approached through the skin between the scrotum and rectum, then it is known as the transperineal biopsy.
Treatment options
There are many treatment options available, and deciding the right treatment depends on the age of the patient, health and the extent the tumor has spread. The treatment options available are prostatectomy (prostate removal surgery), brachytherapy (radioactive material placed into the body), hormone therapy, cryotherapy (freezing cancer cells) and radiation.
Watchful waiting
The doctors prefer to wait and watch for the appearance or change in symptoms without giving any treatment in older people with other underlying health problems. In these patients, the cancer is generally in the early stages. The benefits of watchful waiting is one can avoid treatment, as the side effects of it may be more harmful than the slow growing tumor itself.
Radical prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate gland, surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and the seminal vesicles are removed surgically. The Radical prostatectomy can be of two types namely the Retropubic prostatectomy (incision made in the abdominal wall) and Perineal Prostatectomy (incision is made between scrotum and anus). The main benefit of this surgery is that one can be cured completely if all the cancer cells are removed successfully. The severity of the cancer and the extent of its spread can be well understood by this surgery. The main risks involved are loss of bladder control; inability to get or sustain an erection during sex (erectile dysfunction); leakage of urine during coughing or laughing. If the person is around 50 years then he will regain the erectile function of his penis but if the patient is around 70 years and above, the erectile function of the penis is lost. However, there are devices and medicines that can help solve the problem.
Radiation therapy
The cancer cells are killed or arrested from growing further by using radiation or high energy X rays in radiation therapy. If the radiation is used from outside the body with the help of a machine, then it is known as external radiation; whereas if the radioactive substance is placed near the cancer with the help of needles, wires or catheters, then it is known as internal radiation therapy. The risks associated with radiation therapy include impotence, urinary problems, rectal cancer and bladder cancer. The benefits are that there is no need for surgery, there is no blood loss, and the recovery is faster.
Hormone therapy
The androgens are male hormones in the testicles that help the prostate gland to grow. The hormone therapy aims at lowering the androgen levels. The testicle is surgically removed or shots and pills are administered for a period of several months. Hormone therapy is used in patients in whom the cancer has spread from the prostate gland to other parts of the body. However, it does not cure prostate cancer completely and after a while helps only in controlling symptoms. The side effects of hormone therapy include weak bones, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, fatigue and loss of sex drive.
Further information
After treatment is completed, the doctor will call for follow up exams and PSA blood tests. Famous men who survived prostate cancer include Nelson Mandela, Harry Belafonte, Marion Barry, Robert De Niro, Loius Farrakhan, Roger Moore and many more. With early detection and treatment one can beat prostate cancer.
