Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour of the prostate gland, a
walnut-sized organ in men located in front of the rectum and right
below the bladder. The function of the prostate gland is to produce
part of seminal fluid, the solution that carries sperm.
Like all cancers, prostate cancer is a disease of uncontrolled
cell growth. Cells become cancerous when they divide unpredictably
and form tumours. As tumours grow, they squeeze surrounding healthy
tissue and use nutrients that would normally be used by healthy
cells. As a prostate tumour grows, it may spread to the entire prostate
gland or to lymph nodes, other organs, or bone.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases the risk of
contracting a disease. There is no known single cause of prostate
cancer, but risk factors include:
- increasing age over 55, with men over 65 at highest risk
- race: Black
- family history of the disease, especially father, grandfather,
or brother
- diets high in fat and red meat
Symptoms
Although early prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, later-stage
prostate cancer may cause the following :
- a need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
- inability to urinate
- weak or interrupted flow of urine
- painful or burning urination
- difficulty having an erection
- painful ejaculation
- blood in urine or semen
- frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper
thighs
Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious
health conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or
an infection. A man experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and perform
a physical exam. General or initial tests may include:
- digital rectal exam – examination of the rectum with the
doctor's gloved finger inserted into the rectum
- urine test to check for blood or infection
- blood test to measure prostate specific antigen (PSA)
- blood test to measure prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)
Other more advanced tests may also be used to learn more about
the cause of your symptoms, including:
- transrectal ultrasonography – a test that uses sound waves
and a probe inserted into the rectum to find tumours
- intravenous pyelogram – a series of x-rays of the organs
of the urinary tract
- cystoscopy – a procedure in which a doctor looks into
the urethra and bladder through a thin, lighted tube
- biopsy – removal of a sample of prostate tissue to test
for cancer cells
Prevention
Beginning at age 50, men should begin receiving a regular digital
rectal exam and the PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer.
Many, but not all professional organizations, recommend yearly a
PSA blood test for men over age 50 to screen for prostate cancer.
Black men and men with close family members who have had prostate
cancer diagnosed at a young age should begin testing at age 45.
All men should discuss the pros and cons of PSA testing with their
physician.
Treatment at UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre
There are numerous approaches to prostate cancer treatment, including
surgery, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and radiotherapy.
The health care and oncology professionals practicing at the
UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre specialize in radiotherapy, and
will work with you, your doctor, and other specialists to design
the most effective radiation treatment and recovery plans for
your particular needs, including:
Prostate Cancer In-Depth: Information
from UPMC Cancer Centers
UPMC
Cancer Centers, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one
of the largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians
and health care specialists in the United States. Working with
the University
of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the academic and research
partner, UPMC Cancer Centers strives to offer patients the
latest advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis,
and innovative treatment. With the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre,
UPMC is continuing to fulfill its mission to bring world-class
cancer treatment to patients right in their own communities.
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