Men, throughout their lives, experience different sexual pleasures and sex drives. However, there could be many ways through which sexual pleasure is disrupted and hamper daily lifestyle functioning. One such horrifying way is the development of prostate gland cancer.
The prostate, a small gland, is present in men’s lower abdomen. It is regulated by testosterone and produces seminal fluid known as semen. Its exact location is under the bladder and surrounds the urethra.
Semen exits the urethra at the time of ejaculation and consists of sperm. Prostate cancer is the development of abnormal cells that form a prostate tumor.
Risk Factors and Causes of Prostate Cancer
The cause of prostate gland cancer has not been identified yet. However, certain risk factors increase the chances of developing cancer, including the following.
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50 or older age
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Obesity
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History of prostate cancer in the family
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Certain ethnicities, such as African American
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Genetic changes
Prostate cancer is rare in men under 40.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
The early symptoms of prostate cancer can sometimes be nonaggressive, making it unidentifiable. However, certain factors can be identified and fall under the category of urinary problems, sexual problems, numbness, and Pain.
Urinary problems
Since the prostate gland lies beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, as the tumor grows, it could press the prostate gland against the bladder and the urethra causing urinary problems such as:
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The frequent urge to urinate
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Slower stream than usual
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Bleeding while urination
Sexual Problems
Prostate cancer can lead to erectile dysfunction, making it difficult and challenging to get and keep an erection. Also, witnessing blood in semen can pose a symptom of cancer.
Numbness and Pain
Men with prostate cancer may experience numbness in their legs and feet. If cancer spreads, it can cause pressure on the spinal cord and loss of control of bowel movements and bladder.
What are the stages of prostate cancer?
Like any other cancer, prostate cancer also has its staging system that doctors can monitor and view the progression that has taken place. The following could determine the stages measures.
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The size of the tumor
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PSA levels during diagnoses
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Involvement of lymph nodes
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Whether cancer has spread to other organs or not
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Gleason score
Stage 1 prostate cancer is the initial stage. Cancer is tiny and hasn’t spread to the prostate gland. In this stage, PSA is less than 10ng/ml, Gleason score is 6, and grade score is 1.
In stage 2 of prostate cancer, the tumor has not spread to other organs or lymph nodes. Therefore, cancer may not be felt but can appear in ultrasound imaging. PSA is less than 20 ng/ml, Grade group 1, and Gleason score is six or less. Stage 2 is divided into three further stages, stages 2B and 2C.
Stage 3 of prostate cancer has not spread outside the prostate. In stage three, prostate cancer is further divided into stage 3A; cancer hasn’t spread outside to the lymph nodes. Stage 3B is when the prostate has spread outside the gland and other tissues but not to the lymph nodes. Stage 3C is when cancer has either or not spread to other organs or other lymph nodes.
Stage 4 of prostate cancer is the most advanced and can have any PSA value, Gleason score, and Grade group. It is further divided into stages 4A and 4B. In 4A tumor has spread to lymph nodes, while in 4B, the cancer has spread to other body parts and distant lymph nodes.
What are the treatment options available for prostate cancer?
The treatment of prostate cancer depends on various factors, such as age, current stage of cancer, and health status. If cancer is nonaggressive, the doctor may delay treatment but will regularly check your PSA levels and get imaging and biopsy done every 1 to 3 years.
If cancer is aggressive, the doctor may opt for treatments such as the following.
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Radiation
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Surgery
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Cryotherapy
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Hormone therapy
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Stereotactic radiosurgery
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Chemotherapy
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Immunotherapy
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is major cancer in men, with the majority suffering from the symptoms and unaware of the cause. More awareness needs to be spread to save lives and curb the rise of cancer at an early stage. Bansal Hospital Bhopal has a trustable onco-surgery department that provides apt diagnoses of cancer and provides treatment accordingly. It aims to reduce the Pain of the patient and their family by giving unconditional support from their end.