Prostate cancer, a highly treatable form of cancer, is common in men as they age. It begins in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland that is located between the penis and bladder. Today, approximately one in nine men will receive a positive diagnosis of prostate cancer at some time in their lives but only one in 41 will die as a result of it. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys.
The prostate is responsible for some important functions:
- Producing seminal fluid
- Secreting PSA (prostate specific antigen) which enables semen to remain in a liquid form
- Assisting with the control of urine
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer begins as an abnormal change in cells in the prostate gland. These cellular changes are usually slow and many don’t become cancerous. What are called high grade cells are more likely to grow and spread while low grade cells are typically not concerning.
Although research still hasn’t determined a cause for these changes, certain risk factors make prostate cancer more likely:
- Age — although it is rare before the age of 45, risk increases after the age of 50
- Genetic factors — mutations in certain genes can increase the risk for prostate cancer
- Race and ethnicity — prostate cancer is more common in black males whereas Hispanic males have a lower risk
- Family history — if there is a history of prostate cancer in your family, you are at greater risk
Recent data suggests that diet, obesity, smoking, STDs, inflammation, vasectomies, and exposures to certain chemicals may also be factors in developing prostate cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
During the early stages of prostate cancer, there are often no discernable symptoms but early screening can detect it by measuring the levels of PSA in the blood with higher levels suggesting that there may be cancer present. Physical symptoms can include:
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
- Frequency of a need to urinate, particularly at night
- Painful urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood detected in the urine or semen
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Pain or discomfort while sitting
More advanced symptoms can include swelling in the legs and feet, bone pain or fractures, fatigue, weight loss, back pain and changes in bowel habits.
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
Men who experience symptoms should see their doctor for diagnosis. At that time, the doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, conduct blood and urine testing and may do a rectal examination.
Other testing may be called for if the doctor suspects that there is cancer present. These may include a PCA3 test to look for the gene in the urine, a transrectal ultrasound, or a biopsy.
In the case where the doctor wants to monitor you instead of calling for treatment, routine MRI or CT scans may be called for periodically.
What is the Prognosis for Prostate Cancer?
The good news is, with early detection, there is very effective treatment and high survival rates for those men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about screening for prostate cancer if you are experiencing symptoms or are over 50 years old.
At Vital Imaging, we care about your health journey and have provided professional and compassionate patient care since 2001. We are here to support you each step of the way. For any diagnostic imaging test please call us at (305) 596-9992, and one of our representatives will gladly assist you.