Prostate cancer occurs in the sex gland responsible for producing male semen. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, which carries urine out of the body. This type of cancer is characterized by prolonged development and is one of the most common among men, especially those over 70 years of age. At FastlyHealwe will see prostate cancer’s causes, symptoms, and treatments.
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Causes of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer can be caused by several factors. Some of these do not appear to be entirely transparent, and studies have found no direct relationship or have obtained contradictory results:
- Some studies have shown that prostate cancer can be related to hereditary factors. If a family member of ours suffered from this disease, we might have a greater chance of suffering it one day. Similarly, if several family members had prostate cancer and suffered from the disease when they were young, the risk is much higher.
- Diet: it has been linked to men who eat a diet high in red meat and dairy products having a greater chance of having prostate cancer. This may be because dairy products like milk or yogurt are high in calcium, increasing your risk. However, no relationship was found between a balanced calcium intake and the risk of prostate cancer.
- Infectious agents: Different studies have found that sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, may increase cancer chances. The explanation for this factor would be that it causes inflammation in the prostate. However, no conclusive results have been obtained.
- Inflammation of the prostate: On the one hand, some studies support that prostatitis, that is, prostate inflammation, could be linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. On the other hand, other studies contradict the above, having found no evidence.
- Hormonal factors: It appears that hormonal factors can contribute to prostate cancer. This has been shown because prostate cancer does not appear in eunuchs due to the dependence on male androgen hormones of prostate cancers and the association of this type of cancer with areas of post-scleral atrophy.
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer
It is expected that in some cases, symptoms are not experienced until the doctor does a routine check-up. Some men have changes in their urinary function or sexual relations, which could be a warning of prostate cancer. First of all, the first detectable prostate cancer symptoms are:
- Urinary incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine. This expulsion of urine occurs when the sufferer performs any action that involves an effort for this area, such as sneezing or laughing.
- Interruption of the stream of urine.
- Increased frequency of urination.
When the disease is in a more advanced stage, they are usually accompanied by obstructive symptoms. Some of the symptoms that may be experienced are:
- Blood in the urine.
- Signs of infection
- Pain in the lower back.
- Pain when ejaculating.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Treatment for prostate cancer will depend on whether it has developed outside of the prostate or not. For this reason, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as the first symptoms are detected. In addition, you should go to the urologist regularly from the age of 50. Currently, there are four ways to treat cancer.
When cancer has not spread outside the prostate:
- Surgery: consists of removing the prostate gland and the affected tissues surrounding it. It can be performed through a retropubic prostatectomy. The extraction is performed through an incision in the abdomen or by perineal prostatectomy, an intervention performed through an incision between the scrotum and the anus known as the perineum.
- Radiotherapy is carried out to reduce cancer cells before surgery or limit the area after it. We differentiate between internal treatment, with which a container of radioactive material is introduced that can be left temporarily or indefinitely. External treatment consists of exposing radiation to the pelvic area through a machine.
- Hormone therapy: the development of the tumor is linked to testosterone, the male sex hormone produced by men responsible for the development of the testicles and the prostate. Hormone treatment aims to reduce or inhibit testosterone levels.
How do I know if I have prostate cancer?
Among the ways used to detect prostate cancer are tests that examine the prostate and blood.
- Physical examination and history: a general check-up is done to detect abnormalities and study diseases’ history.
- Digital rectal exam: This involves checking the condition of the prostate by inserting the finger into the rectum to detect lumps or abnormal areas. Your doctor should review this review.
- Prostate-specific antigen test: This test measures PSA levels in the blood, a substance that creates the prostate and is usually higher in men with prostate cancer.
- Transrectal ultrasound: a probe is inserted into the rectum to examine the prostate and obtain an image of the tissues.
- Biopsy – Tissue is removed from the prostate for observation under a microscope.
When to go to the doctor?
As we have explained above, symptoms do not have to be visible occasionally. If you are over 50 years old, you must go to the doctor for a periodic review. Regardless of age, we must go to the doctor whenever we feel any symptoms such as those mentioned in the previous point: Symptoms associated with prostate cancer.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.