Prostate cancer gradually made its presence known in the medical field. What used to be a not so familiar illness has now made men become more aware of their health conditions. As the years pass by, the percentage of men acquiring this illness continues to grow. But before we talk about these things, we must first get back to the basics. What really is prostate cancer and what’s in it that makes the male specie lend their ears just to get a grasp of the said disease?
The prostate gland is the main target of this type of cancer. This gland is responsible for the production and storage of seminal fluid. It is usually around three centimeters long and weighs about 20 grams or in simple terms, the size of a walnut. It is found below the urinary bladder and infront of the rectum and encircles part of the urethra. One of its functions is to help control urination which happens when it presses directly against the urethra. This gland is also responsible for the production of some of the substances contained in the normal semen (the fluid that contains sperm), like minerals and sugar.
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that is composed of the cells from the prostate itself. It usually occurs in men above 50 years old and its rate of detection varies greatly around the world. It is less detected in South and East Asia than in Europe and the United States. Because this type of cancer is usually slow-growing and symptom-free, men afflicted with the said disease may appear with no manifestations, undergo no therapy, or actually die of other medical conditions.
The exact etiology of prostate cancer is unknown, although genetics, age, diet, and environmental factors like toxins and chemicals are considered contributing factors to its development. The possibility of it developing increases as men age, that is why it is rarely seen in males aged 40 and below.
Most of the symptoms of this type of cancer is associated with urinary dysfunction due to its proximity to the urethra. The person may experience painful and frequent urination, difficulty initiating and maintaining steady stream of urine, as well as blood in the urine. Prostate cancer may also create problems related to sexual function manifested as painful ejaculation or difficulty achieving erection. In the advance stages of this cancer, it can also spread to other parts of the body or what is medically known as metastasis.
Many are interested to know how is this cancer detected. Well, the only confirmatory test would be biopsy which is accomplished through microscopic examination of small pieces of the prostate. However, there are other examinations that may be useful to its detection such as the digital rectal exam, cystoscopy, PSA (prostate specific antigen) and transrectal ultrasonography.
Just like any other diseases, we can do something about it. One would be by monitoring the progress of the tumor as well as the symptoms. Others would be surgery such as a radical prostatectomy; chemotherapy and/or oral chemotherapeutic medications, radiation therapy like prostate brachytherapy; positron emission tomography, cryosurgery, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and hormonal therapy. It could also be a combination of these treatments.
The discussion regarding prostate cancer is long and there is so much more to learn about this condition. Although the male population is the only victim of this cancer, we must all help fight it and save lives. After all, each one of us has a Dad, brother, husband, or a cousin, whom we may never know might experience it. So early detection and being aware of what they go through would be helpful.
