The prostate gland is present in the pelvis area behind the bladder. It is responsible for producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and helps transport sperm. The urethra in the middle of the prostate gland, and it’s responsible for carrying sperm out of the penis during ejaculation. Prostate cancer can occur when cells grow abnormally inside the prostate gland.
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However, there are few incidents of prostate cancer being fatal. In fact, in many cases, patients of prostate cancer and their doctors might even be unaware.
Types of Prostate Cancer
The most common prostate cancer is Adenocarcinoma. Others include:
- Sarcoma
- Small Cell Sarcoma
- Neuroendocrine Tumors
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)
Prostate Cancer: Symptoms
It is advisable that you visit your doctor or have contact with Dr. Larish at Fifth Avenue Urology to work out the diagnosis and find out if you have prostate cancer or not. Initially, there are no significant symptoms of Prostate cancer. Nevertheless, some symptoms do develop at later stages of prostate cancer.
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Straining during urination
- Pain in urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal area
- Back pain
- Infertility, in chronic cases
- Swelling of one or two testicles
Although swelling of a testicle appears as a symptom of prostate cancer, it is not always the case. On the contrary, some men experience testicle enlargement due to their physical growth.
- Erectile Dysfunction may occur due to prostate cancer or its treatment.
- Prostate Cancer can metastasize. This means the spreading of cancer cells to other organs and parts of the body. It can spread to bones through lymph nodes and even affect the urinary tract system or the bladder.
Risk Factors
- Family history- cancerous diseases, especially in close relatives such as siblings or parents, pose the probability of getting prostate cancer
- Aging
- Smoking and drugs
- STDs
- Various research is underway to confirm that after vasectomy, a man increases the chances of getting prostate cancer
Diagnoses
If you have experienced any of the symptoms above or feel that you might have prostate cancer, it is a good idea to visit a professional Urologist. Dr.Larish at Fifth Avenue Urology is a top nyc urologist with immense expertise in the field. Some of the diagnostic procedures are as mentioned below.
- Urologist will assess your previous cancer history if there is any
- He might also assess your family’s history of cancerous diseases
- Urine sample for lab tests
- Sperm samples for lab tests
- Blood sample test to check the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
Under a high PSA level in your blood, the urologist may also advise MRI scans.
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Prostate Cancer: Treatment
Your urologist will work with you to produce various combinations of treatment techniques and methods depending on the stage of your prostate cancer. Some common treatment methods of prostate cancer are as below.
- Radiation Therapy; involves the use of high-energy x-rays to vaporize and cauterize the excess and abnormal cancerous cells present in the prostate gland or around it.
- Chemotherapy; involves administering a drug that disperses throughout the body to prevent the progression and further spread of the cancerous cells.
- Surgery; Safe surgical procedures also take place in order to remove the tumor(s) of the prostate gland entirely.
- Hormone therapies; involve the urologist administering drugs that lower the testosterone levels in the body. Testosterone might serve as a fuel for cancerous cell development in the prostate gland. Therefore, reducing levels of testosterone can prevent the further progression of cancer.
Prevention of Prostate Cancer
Researchers and urologists advise certain prevention techniques to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. These areas are mentioned below.
- A healthy diet involving a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to provide anti-oxidants, which prevent the production of cancerous cells in the body
- Exercising regularly or frequently every week to sustain a healthy blood flow
- Avoiding sedentary lifestyles (excessive sitting, obesity, or unnecessary cycling)
Conclusion: Consult with an Urologist
At Fifth Avenue Urology, Dr. Larish provides extremely professional and compassionate care to his patients. He can diagnose prostate cancer and find suitable treatments.
Fifth Avenue Urology
4 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
Book an appointment: 212-675-3186
Or Contact us on our main website.
References:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/diagnosis/#:~:text=The%20GP%20is%20likely%20to,bottom%20%E2%80%93%20called%20digital%20rectal%20examination
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate
- https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/symptoms?invsrc=non_branded_natural_search_google
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150086
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/
- https://www.uclahealth.org/urology/prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer
- https://www.pcf.org/about-prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-treatment/hormone-therapy-prostate-cancer/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/prostate-cancer
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
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