Prostate Cancer - Treatment & Symptom

Prostate Cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the prostate gland. For many men a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening, not only because of the threat to their lives, but because of the threat to their sexuality. It occurs when a malignant tumor forms in the tissue of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. In its early stage, prostate cancer needs the male hormone testosterone to grow and survive. These cells may spread ( metastasize ) from the prostate to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes. The prostate contains cells that make some of the seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. This fluid protects and nourishes the sperm. The prostate continues to grow until a man reaches adulthood and then stays about the same size as long as male hormones are produced. The prostate makes a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. A normal prostate is about the size of a walnut.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

The comman causes and risk factor's of Prostate Cancer include the following:

• Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk.
• Exposure to heavy metals (e.g., cadmium).
• A high intake of calcium (such as from dairy foods) may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
• A diet high in animal fat (including dairy products) and low in fresh fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of prostate cancer.
• Smoking is also a higher risk for Prostate Cancer.
• If several women in the family have had breast cancer this could indicate that an inherited faulty gene is present in the family. The gene may increase the risk of the men in that family getting prostate cancer.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Some sign and symptoms related to Prostate Cancer are as follows:

• Elderly individuals.
• Slow growing cancer with no symptoms.
• Back or hip pain.
• Dribbling after you finish urinating.
• Low grade fever.
• Loss of weight.
• Less force to the stream of urine.
• Pain with ejaculation.
• Pain with bowel movement.
• Later painful urine, difficultyin passing urine, increased urinary frequency, complete urinary retention.

Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Here is list of the methods for treating Prostate Cancer:

• Hormone therapy (e.g., Viadur®).
• Brachytherapy (radioactive seed implantation).
• Chemotherapy and radiation support.
• Surgical removal of the prostate gland (called a prostatectomy).
• High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a treatment given using a machine that gives off high frequency sound waves.
• Medications or measures to reduce or eliminate the effects of testosterone on the prostate cancer.
• Surgery is a common treatment for prostate cancer. It is most suitable for otherwise healthy men (usually, those under 70) whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate.

Prostate cancer symptoms - There are many symptoms that can be associated with the prostate cancer. Learn how to treat prostate cancer easily by detecting the symptoms early.