PROSTATE CANCER

 Basic information

description

Prostate cancer is a growth of malignant (cancerous) cells in the prostate gland. The prostate is about the size of a walnut and is located just below the urinary bladder in men. It helps form semen. This cancer often grows very slowly and may never cause symptoms. In some cases, it grows more rapidly, such as in younger men. Prostate cancer usually affects men over age 50.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• No symptoms (usually). Most prostate cancers are found with routine blood work or routine rectal exam.
• Difficult, frequent, weak, or painful urination.
• Pain in the low back or pelvis from spread of cancer.
• Painful ejaculation.

causes

Unknown. Hormonal, environmental, genetic, and dietary factors may play a role.

risk increases with

• Age over 50.
• Family history of prostate cancer.
• African American more than whites or others.
• Other risks—high-fat diet; lack of exercise; obesity.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. A yearly rectal exam after age 40 and PSA testing may help detect early prostate cancer. Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet and exercise) may have some preventive benefits.

expected outcomes

Often curable if treated before cancer spreads. If the cancer has spread, treatment can relieve symptoms and prolong life.

possible complications

• Cancer may recur after treatment.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Sexual impotence after treatment.
• Fatal spread to bone, bladder, and other organs.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, a gloved, lubricated finger is inserted into the rectum to check the prostate gland for lumps. Blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) will be checked. PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, is higher than normal in prostate diseases. Ultrasound, biopsy, CT, and other tests may be done to confirm the cancer diagnosis and to see if it has spread to other places in the body (staging).
• Treatment depends on the cancer stage, age, health status, and personal preferences of the patient.
• Treatment may include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, ultrasound, or newer therapies being tested. It helps to discuss your options with family and friends and/or support groups.
• With watchful waiting, the cancer is monitored for a time before deciding on treatment. Prostate cancer may grow slowly and never cause symptoms or problems.
• Surgery to remove the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, if the cancer has not spread. Your health care provider will discuss options, risks, and benefits.
• Cryosurgery may be recommended. It treats cancer that has not spread by freezing the cancer cells.
• Radiation or hormone treatment if the cancer has spread.
• Tiny, radioactive "seeds" may be inserted into the prostate to deliver a radiation dose over 3 to 6 months.
• High-intensity focused ultrasound may be an option.
• Counseling, if sexual difficulties occur after treatment.
• To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) 227-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 422-6237; website: www.cancer.gov or Prostate Cancer Foundation; website: www.prostatecancerfoundation.org.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Hormones (usually estrogens or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) to slow cancer growth.
  • Chemotherapy (anticancer drugs).
  • Drugs for pain.

activity

• Resume normal activities gradually after treatment.
• Follow medical advice on resuming sexual relations.
• Exercise daily.

diet

Eat a healthy diet. One that is high in fiber and fruits and vegetables, and low in fat is often recommended.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of prostate cancer.
• Urinary-tract infection occurs (frequent, difficult, or painful urination; fever; chills; or genital aching).
• Drugs used in treatment cause side effects.

Special Notes: