Prostate cancer (prostate carcinoma) is one of the most common cancers among men and can significantly impact their fertility. This disease usually grows gradually and initially remains confined to the prostate gland. However, if left untreated, it may spread to other organs. Some types of prostate cancer are benign and can be treated with low-risk therapies, while others are malignant and can progress rapidly.
Before discussing the symptoms, signs, and diagnostic methods for prostate cancer in Gorgan, it is useful to understand the role of the prostate in the body. Stay with the Shafa Clinic Health Magazine as we comprehensively explore the causes of prostate cancer (prostate carcinoma) and other related aspects.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located at the base of the bladder in men. It consists of two symmetrical lobes, with the first lobe surrounding the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Additionally, the urethra is responsible for carrying semen—a fluid containing sperm that is expelled during ejaculation. The prostate plays a crucial role in producing seminal fluid and supporting sperm as it travels through the urinary tract.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer, also known as prostate carcinoma, is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the prostate gland. Many of these cancers grow very slowly and are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. However, some types of prostate cancer can grow rapidly and spread to other organs.
This type of cancer is usually associated with mild symptoms and slow growth, making early detection difficult. In many cases, prostate cancer may remain asymptomatic for a long time, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and medical examinations for men over 50.
Types of Prostate Cancer
- Acinar Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of prostate cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. This cancer starts in the prostate gland cells and usually has a slow growth rate.
- Ductal Adenocarcinoma: This type originates in the cells lining the prostate ducts. It typically grows faster than acinar adenocarcinoma and can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma: This cancer primarily starts in the bladder and may spread to the urethra. Although it rarely originates in the prostate, it can extend to the bladder or surrounding tissues.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This cancer grows more rapidly than adenocarcinomas and can spread quickly to other areas of the body.
- Small Cell Carcinoma: A rare form of prostate cancer, making up less than 2% of cases. It is known for its rapid growth and distinct characteristics.
Localized Prostate Cancer
Localized prostate cancer means the cancer is confined to the prostate gland and has not yet spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer is generally classified based on its risk of growth and spread:
- Low-risk prostate cancer: The likelihood of significant growth or spread over the years is very low, making its progression unlikely for a long time.
- Intermediate-risk prostate cancer: This type has a moderate chance of growth and spread in the coming years, with possible changes over time.
- High-risk prostate cancer: This form has a high probability of growth and spread within a few years and requires close monitoring and more intensive treatment.
Localized prostate cancer is categorized into low, intermediate, and high-risk levels.
Advanced Localized Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer spreads to adjacent tissues or organs such as the rectum or nearby lymph nodes, it is classified as advanced localized prostate cancer. This stage signifies that the disease has extended beyond the prostate gland but has not yet reached distant organs.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer refers to cancer that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body. It commonly spreads to the lymph nodes or bones, but it can also affect other organs.
Grading of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is categorized based on its grade and severity, which helps determine how aggressive the cancer is and the appropriate treatment approach. The Gleason scoring system is the most commonly used method for grading prostate cancer. In this system, biopsy samples are taken from the prostate and evaluated:
- Grades 1 & 2: Cells appear mostly normal and are not considered cancerous.
- Grades 3 to 5: These are cancerous cells that indicate increasing aggressiveness and a higher risk of spreading.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses and the prostate gland enlarges, the following symptoms may develop:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty urinating, including trouble starting or stopping urine flow
- Urgent need to urinate, which may cause discomfort
- Urinary incontinence, which can occur during daily activities or sleep
- Blood in urine or semen, a warning sign that requires medical attention
- Ejaculation problems, including pain or inability to ejaculate
These symptoms can also be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. If any of these signs appear, visiting a specialized cancer clinic in Gorgan is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. While all men have some PSA in their blood, elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Regular PSA testing can play a critical role in the early detection of prostate cancer, potentially reducing mortality rates. In Gorgan, PSA testing allows men to detect suspicious changes early and take timely action to prevent disease progression.
Prostate Cancer Prevalence
Prostate cancer is primarily observed in older men, with the majority of cases occurring in individuals over 70 years of age. It is the second most common cancer among men worldwide.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. While risk factors increase the likelihood of cancer, their presence does not guarantee that a person will develop the disease. Likewise, individuals without risk factors may still develop prostate cancer.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Several factors may increase the risk of prostate cancer, including:
- Aging: The risk increases significantly with age.
- Race: African American men have a higher risk than white men, while Asian men have a lower risk.
- Family History: A family history of prostate cancer raises the likelihood of developing the disease.
- Obesity: Excess weight is linked to an increased risk.
- Height: Taller individuals may be at a slightly higher risk.
- Hormonal Levels: High levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) may be associated with an increased risk.
- Prostate Inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the prostate may contribute to cancer development.
- Exposure to Cadmium: Contact with cadmium, a heavy metal, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
In Gorgan, prostate cancer diagnosis involves clinical examinations and specialized tests that help detect the disease in its early stages and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Clinical Examinations
If a patient shows symptoms suggestive of prostate cancer, the doctor performs a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). During this procedure, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormalities or irregularities that might indicate cancer.
PSA Blood Test
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA protein in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but a high PSA level alone is not a definitive sign of cancer since other non-cancerous conditions, such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can also raise PSA levels.
Prostate Biopsy
If the DRE and PSA test suggest possible cancer, a prostate biopsy is performed. This procedure involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate to examine them for cancer cells. Typically, the biopsy is guided by ultrasound imaging to ensure precise sampling.
- Local anesthesia is used for patient comfort.
- Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection.
The Importance of Early Detection
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Since early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, regular screening and check-ups are crucial for early diagnosis and preventing disease progression.
Prostate Cancer Treatment in Gorgan
In Gorgan, prostate cancer treatment is provided through advanced and specialized methods by experienced medical teams. Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, making consultation with a specialist and continuous follow-ups essential for the best possible outcome.
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