Types of Cancers - Carcinoma of The Prostate

Prostate cancer is carcinoma of the male sex gland called the prostate. The prostate is about the size of a walnut and lies behind the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is involved in the secretion of semen. Cancer of the prostate may spread to the seminal vesicles, lungs, lymph nodes and the pelvic region. Deaths from carcinoma of the prostate are usually as a result of these metastases.

In the USA there are over 200,000 new cases of carcinoma of the prostate each year and over 30,000 die due to the disease.

Risk Factors

• A high fat diet
• Family history of the disease
• Age 55 and over
• African/American male
• High plasma testosterone
• Tobacco use

Signs and Symptoms

Often there are no symptoms at all and the disease is discovered when the person goes for a physical examination. The first symptom is often difficulty urinating. In the later stage or when the disease has spread to other parts there may be:

• Interrupted flow of urine
• Frequent passing of urine
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain or burning on urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty starting

Diagnosis

Cancer may not be suspected until a routine physical examination is performed. A digital rectal examination (DRE) by a physician will be done as part of a routine physical examination. This involves using a gloved finger to examine the rectum, colon and prostate gland. If any abnormality is detected, blood tests will be done for the amount of prostate protein. A higher than normal will indicate the presence of a tumor.

Biopsy- A biopsy is the most reliable investigation for prostate cancer. If the prostate protein level is high, a small piece of prostate tissue is removed to examine for cancerous cells. If carcinoma of the prostate is confirmed, there will be further investigations such as a chest x-ray to determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs, MRI and CT scan to determine if there are metastases elsewhere in the body.

Treatment

Surgery- This is complete removal of the gland and is called prostatectomy. It is the usual method of treatment for stage 1 and 2 cancers. There are two approaches:

The perineal- The prostate is removed through an incision between the scrotum and the anus. With this procedure the side effects, incontinence and impotence are reduced.

Retro pubic approach-The prostate is removed by opening the abdomen just above the pubic area. This method is good for further investigations, as a specimen of lymph node can be obtained at the same time.

There are serious side effects of prostatectomy such as impotence and incontinence. Sometimes the drug Viagra is prescribed.

Radiation Therapy- This is using high-energy rays to shrink the tumor and kill the cancer cells. This treatment can be used instead of surgery for stage 1 and 2 carcinomas. Side effects are inflammation of the bladder, rectum and small intestines.

Hormone therapy- This treatment is for advanced prostate cancer, stage 3 and 4 or when the tumor has spread to other parts. The purpose is to decrease the level of male testosterone. There are two methods:

• Removal of the testicles to decrease testosterone production
• Administration of the female hormone estrogen to stop testosterone production

Side effects of hormone therapy are breasts enlargement, impotence, heart attacks and even strokes.

Alternative Medicine

Complementary therapies such as meditation, relaxation and acupuncture have been helpful in relieving side effects and improving quality of life after treatment. Acupuncture has been known to assist with pain management; meditation and relaxation with emotional stress. Some herbal products have been used to treat cancer. In the meantime researchers are still investigating herbal Chinese medicine as a treatment or cure.

Promoting Healthy Prostate Glands

The key to protecting the glands from the disease is eliminating and reducing risk factors. Along with a healthy eating pattern, these preventive actions include:

• Weight control to keep weight within limits
• A diet low in saturated fats
• A diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
• Keeping physically active
• A no smoking lifestyle
• Regular physical examinations especially for those at risk