Concept & Etiology:
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a
small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid
that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the
most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly
and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause
serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow
slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are
aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer that has been
detected early, while it is still confined to the prostate gland, has
better odds of successful treatment options.
Classification:
Prostate cancer can be classified by different measures, called stages.
There are a total of 5 stages of cancer, stage 0 (zero) and stages I-IV
(one - four). Stages are described by using a TNM system. Tumor -
how large is the primary tumor, where is it located? Node - Has the
tumor spread to the lymph nodes? Metastasis - has the cancer spread
to other parts of the body? Stage I - cancer is in the early stage and is
usually growing slowly. Stage II - the tumor is found only in the
prostate. Stage II - PSA levels are high, the tumor is growing, or the
cancer is high grade. Cancer is likely to continue growing and spread.
Stage IV - cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
Signs & Symptoms:
Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages.
More advanced stages of prostate cancer may cause the following
signs and symptoms: trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream
of urine, blood in the urine, blood in the semen, bone pain, losing
weight without trying, and erectile dysfunction.
Diagnostic testing:
Screening tests may be done, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE).
During a DRE, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your
rectum to examine your prostate, which is adjacent to the rectum. If
your doctor finds any abnormalities in the texture, shape, or size of
the gland, you may need further tests. A prostate-specific antigen test
(PSA) may also be done to determine a diagnosis. A blood sample is
drawn from a vein in your arm and analysed for PSA, a substance
that's naturally produced by your prostate gland. It's normal for a
small amount of PSA to be in your bloodstream. However, if a higher
than usual level is found, it may indicate prostate infection,
inflammation, enlargement, or cancer. Further testing may be done if
screening detects abnormalities. An MRI or Ultrasound may be
recommended by a doctor, as well as a biopsy of the prostate tissue.
These tests may help to determine if the cancer has spread.
Prostate cancer - stages and grades. Cancer.Net. (2021, January 27).
Retrieved from Prostate Cancer: Stages and Grades | Cancer.Net
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, June
4). Prostate cancer. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from Prostate cancer -
Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
