Alkem

Overview

Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate.

Symptoms

Weak or interrupted ("stop-and-go") flow of urine Sudden urge to urinate Frequent urination (especially at night) Trouble starting the flow of urine Trouble emptying the bladder completely Pain or burning while urinating Blood in the urine or semen A pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away Shortness of breath Feeling very tired, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or pale skin caused by anemia.

Causes

Prostate cancer forms when the DNA in cells of the prostate develop mutations that may disable their ability to control cell growth and division.
Risk Factors
Age Family history of prostate cancer Race Hormones Vitamin E Folic acid Dairy and calcium

Diagnosis

Physical exam and history Digital rectal exam Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test Transrectal ultrasound Transrectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Prevention

Choose a low-fat diet, increase the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduce the consumption of dairy products, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise most days of the week.

Treatment

Surgery Radiation therapy Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-lowering levels of these hormones can help slow the growth of the cancer. LHRH agonists: Leuprolide depot Chemotherapy: Docetaxel, Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: Docetaxel and Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone.

Everyday Life

The disease is the easiest to treat while it is confined to the prostate. At this stage, surgery and radiation are most likely to be curative and completely kill or remove whatever cancer cells are present. If left untreated, in most cases of diagnosed prostate cancer, it will grow and possibly spread outside of the prostate to local tissues or distantly to other sites in the body.