Information Regarding Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland is a small, round organ situated just below the bladder in men. The function of this organ is to produce seminal fluid which acts as a transport medium for sperm.

Cancer of the prostate is one of the most common cancers to occur in men. Prostate cancer grows slowly and it stays confined to the organ in most cases. A study once showed that in 80% of men who died in their 80's from various causes had prostate cancer that was never previously detected.

Just as there are prostate cancers that are benign and don't cause any issues in men, there are aggressive types that exist which can cause localised invasion of surrounding tissue and metastatic disease.

Risk factors for developing prostate cancer

The cause of prostate cancer isn't that clear although the growth of cancer cells in the organ has to do with DNA damage of the cells in the prostate. Certain risk factors for developing with problem have been identified and they include the following:

• Advanced age - older cells are more prone to damage and therefore turning into cancerous growths.
• Having a family history of prostate or breast cancer.
• Black men - it's not known why this happens, but black men have a higher chance of developing aggressive or advanced cancers.
• Obesity can result in men being diagnosed with more aggressive types of prostate cancer.

Symptoms

Prostate cancer will usually cause no problems in the early stages of the disease. However, when the prostate enlarges, it will cause obstructive issues. These signs and symptoms include the following:

• Decreased force in the stream of urine.
• Trouble to start urinating.
• Dribbling after one is done urinating.
• Discomfort in the pelvic area.
• Blood in the semen
• Bone pain, especially in the lower back.
• Erectile dysfunction.

READ Men Who Start to Go Bald at 20 Are More Likely to Develop Prostate Cancer

Complications

Although prostate cancer is a slow progressing condition, it can cause numerous detrimental effects to an affected individual's health. Complications associated with prostate cancer include the following issues:

• Metastatic disease - prostate cancer cells can invade surrounding tissue, such as the bladder and colon, or it can travel through the blood stream and lymphatic circulation where it can reach and affect other organs such as the liver and lungs. The first area where prostate cancer spreads to is the lower back where it invades the spinal vertebrae. Metastatic prostate cancer can still respond to treatment, but the chances of complete remission are poor.
• Urinary incontinence - the scenario here is that of a "catch-22" situation since prostate cancer and the management of the condition can both result in urinary incontinence. This problem can be managed effectively enough though the use of certain medications and surgical interventions.
• Erectile dysfunction - prostate cancer can invade the nervous system responsible for proper erectile functioning, but so can the treatment of prostate cancer. Just as with urinary incontinence, condition and management seem to both cause these issues. Erectile dysfunction can be managed with oral and injectable medication, as well as by using certain instruments and vacuum devices and surgical interventions.