Prostate Cancer: Early Signs and Treatments
According to the National Cancer Institute, one out five men in the United State are diagnosed with prostate cancer. This common cancer is generally highly treatable, especially if it’s detect at an early stage.
The disease disproportionately affects Black people and those over the age of 50, so semi-regular examinations from your doctor are recommended via a digital rectal exam or a prostate-specific antigen test. Taking this preventative measure, as well as taking the time to learn more about prostate cancer, can lead to early detection.
Prostate cancer occurs in the small walnut-shaped grand that produces seminal fluid. The prostate is located just below a male’s bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer can develop slowly and require minimal to no surgery or it can be very aggressive and spread quickly.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Most prostate cancer cases are adenocarcinomas, meaning that the cancer develops in gland cells of the prostate. Sarcomas are present in less than 0.1 percent of cases. This type occurs in the soft tissue cells, which includes muscles and nerves, and can spread quickly. Another (albeit extremely rare) type of prostate cancer that can occur in the body is a neuroendocrine tumor, which moves slowly until it gets to the digestive system. The neuroendocrine system consists of the nerve and gland cells that release and make hormones.
Early Signs and Symptoms
According to the Cancer Treatment Center of America, there are often not any obvious symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. However, since the prostate is close to the bladder and urethra, urinary symptoms can occur early on. Common signs include:
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Difficulty when urinating
- Urinating more often at night
- Loss of bladder control
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatments available for prostate cancer, but which one or ones your doctor recommends will vary depending on your specific situation. Common treatments include:
- Surgery: Used in cases where the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. The most common type of surgery is the radical prostatectomy, which removes the prostate gland and tissue around it.
- Radiation: Therapy that uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the grade of the radiation will vary.
- Cryotherapy: Uses extremely low temperatures to freeze and kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually used if the cancer comes back after radiation therapy.
- Hormone Therapy: Reduces the level of male hormones to stop fuelling the cancer cells, helping the cancer shrink and at least slow its grow.
- Chemotherapy: Uses anti-cancer drugs to fight the cancer cells. This therapy is usually used if it has spread and hormone therapy didn’t work.
- Immunotherapy: Therapy that stimulates a person’s immune system to destroy the cancer cells in a more effective way.
- Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs to identify and attack cancer cells without damaging normal cells.
Prostate cancer may be common, but it’s very treatable. The best thing to prevent this cancer is to stay on top of your health with annual visits to your doctor. If you are showing any of the symptoms mentioned, talk to your physician for testing and treatment.