Prostate Cancer Prognosis

The prostate gland is a vital part of the male reproductive system. This walnut-shaped gland produces a seminal fluid that forms a part of the ejaculated sperm. This fluid acts as a protective medium for the sperm, when it is ejaculated in the vaginal tract, to make its way towards fertilization. It also adds to the motility of the sperm. And among the different ailments that may affect this very gland, is prostate cancer. This ailment accounts for one of the most common types of cancers in men. As long as the cancer stays confined to the prostate, it does not cause any harm. In some people, it grows gradually, while in some, it has an aggressive nature of spreading to other parts. It should be known that, the earlier this disease gets detect and treated, the better the patient has chances of recovering successfully.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

The term prognosis refers to a prediction, done by doctors, about how would the course or outcome of a disease be. As prognosis is a mere prediction, it is always suggested by medical experts that patients must not deem it to become true. The prognosis of prostate cancer highly depends upon the stage of the condition, and how people respond to the treatment methods.

Stage I and II
Stage I is the infant stage of the disease. Here, the disease is confined to a microscopic area. And when it progresses to stage II, the cancer can be detected but it is still confined in the gland itself. So, for these two stages, the prognosis is the brightest. This is due to the fact, in these two stages, the cancer is usually characterized by smaller, slow-growing, well-differentiated tumors. And to give you the good news, about three quarters (75%) of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer remain in these two stages. And in these stages, some cases have shown a cure rate that could be as high as 98%.

Stage III and IV
When the cancer is in stage III, it means that it has left the confinement of the prostate gland, and spread to the seminal vesicles and nearby structures. And when it proceeds to stage IV, it metastasizes. Meaning, it starts spreading to the lymph nodes, bones, lungs, and other organs of the body. So, as it is expected to be, here the prognosis becomes dimmer, and even worse in stage IV. However, some patients may live longer than expected compared to others.

A cancer that recurs post treatment, is curable if it is localized. But in most cases, it may be found to have already spread. Treatment like hormone therapy helps in prolonging survival for years.

Symptoms and Treatment

As seen in most cases, only when the cancer reaches an advanced stage, it exhibits signs and symptoms. The symptoms could be:

• Presence of blood in urine
• Trouble starting or stopping urination
• The urine stream would be weaker than before
• The semen may contain some blood
• Legs may swell
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone pain
• Increased urination
• Ejaculation may be painful

As far as treatment is concerned, in cases, wherein the cancer is in its early stage, the patient might not require any. He may be advised to wait and observe. But in the meantime, regular blood tests and other exams would be conducted. If at any point, the tests reveal any progress of the cancer, then the patient may initiate the treatment. It may include radiation therapy (using high-powered energy to kill cancer cells), hormone therapy (to prevent the production of male hormone, testosterone), and surgical procedures (for removing the prostate gland). Other options include cryosurgery (for freezing tissues to kill cancer cells), ultrasound (killing cancer cells using heat), and chemotherapy (uses drugs to do the same).

Prognosis of prostate cancer, as I have mentioned, is a mere prediction done by a doctor. It must not be taken as a certainty. It is essential to understand that the prognosis may change if the cancer takes an unexpected turn, or the treatment proves successful. So, it can be said that the concept of prognosis is highly individual.