What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland — a walnut-shaped organ that is part of the male reproductive system. It is a common cancer that typically grows quite slowly. It usually remains confined to the prostate gland. In these cases, you need little, if any, treatment.
But sometimes prostate cancer takes a more aggressive form, growing quickly and spreading to other organs or nearby bones. The sooner prostate cancer is found, the better the chances of successfully treating it.
What are the types of prostate cancer?
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas — they develop from the gland cells that make prostate fluid, a component of semen. Other rarer types of cancer can also start in the prostate, including small and transitional cell carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors.
You may have prostate cancer and not know it, which is why it is so important to schedule regular men’s health checkups.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
You can have prostate cancer and experience no symptoms at all. In fact, prostate cancer usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. As prostate cancer grows worse, you will notice health changes such as:
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Unexplained weight loss
- Trouble urinating
- Weaker urine stream
- Bone pain
- Aching in the lower pelvic area
- Frequent urination
- Painful ejaculation
Prostate cancer is far easier to treat before you start seeing symptoms. If it has been some time since your last prostate cancer screening, schedule one today.
What causes prostate cancer?
Medical professionals, while unclear on the precise cause of prostate cancer, have drawn some conclusions. They know that prostate cancer begins when prostate cells’ DNA changes, forming a tumor. Research has shown that some things raise your risk of developing prostate cancer, including:
- Race (African American men are more likely to get diagnosed with prostate cancer)
- Older age
- Obesity
- Genetics (having a family history of prostate cancer)
You may also experience erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence as resulting complications of prostate cancer or the treatments you undergo.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Treatment for prostate cancer varies, depending on its severity. Some patients might not require immediate treatment if the cancer is slow-growing and poses no immediate threat. Dr. Cosgrove will discuss all your treatment options and help you decide what course of treatment best suits your condition.
If you require surgery to remove all or some of your prostate, Dr. Cosgrove can refer you to have a da Vinci® robot-assisted prostatectomy for the highest precision.
Other possible treatments for prostate cancer and its effects include:
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Cryotherapy
- High-intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU)
Pelvic floor therapy could also benefit problems such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. If needed, Dr. Cosgrove can refer you to other specialists to help with your prostate cancer.
If you believe you are at high risk for developing prostate cancer, speak with Dr. Cosgrove about preventive action. Call Advantage Urology today to book an appointment today.
