Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It produces a fluid that helps to nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer typically affects older men, though it can occur at any age. It is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and the risk of developing it increases with age.
Prostate Cancer Treatment in Tucson, AZ
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men worldwide. It is a slow-growing cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is located just below the bladder, and it helps to produce semen. Prostate cancer usually affects older men, and it is rare in men under the age of 50.
There are several risk factors for prostate cancer, including age, family history, and race. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than any other group of men. There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are several things that men can do to reduce their risk. These include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting screened for prostate cancer. If caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.
Types of Prostate Cancer
The variety of prostate cancer determines which sort of cell the tumor started in. There are many forms of prostate cancer. The most frequent type is adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
The type of prostate cancer you have, as well as the following information is considered by doctors:
- When you examine the cancer cells under a microscope, you’ll see how abnormal they appear. The grade of the cancer is determined by this measurement.
- The stage of cancer is determined by two factors: the size of the tumor and if it has metastasized.
Your doctor will use the information your body provides to determine which treatment you need. Another approach medical practitioners might characterize your cancer is as localized, locally advanced, or evolved.
Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinomas form in the gland cells coating the prostate gland and its tubes. These cells produce prostate fluid. Of all types of prostate cancer, adenocarcinomas are most prevalent. In fact, nearly every person with prostate cancer has this type.
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is divided into two types:
- Acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate – This is the most common form. It originates from gland cells that line the prostate gland.
- Ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate – Ductal adenocarcinoma begins in the cells that line the prostate gland’s ducts. It spreads quicker and grows more rapidly than acinar adenocarcinoma.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate
Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate begins in cells that line the urethra, which is a tube that carries urine from the inside of the body to the outside (the bladder). This sort of cancer generally starts in the bladder and spreads to the prostate. However, it is possible for it to start in the prostate and travel into other parts of the bladder.
This is also known as urothelial carcinoma of the prostate. Out of 100 prostate cancers, 2-4% are this type.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate
These types of cancers develop from cells that are flat and cover the prostate. They have a reputation for growing and spreading more quickly than adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Small cell prostate cancer
Small cell prostate cancer might also be classified as a type of neuroendocrine tumor. They tend to develop more quickly than other types of prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
The variety of prostate cancer determines which sort of cell the tumor started in. There are many forms of prostate cancer. The most frequent type is adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
The type of prostate cancer you have, as well as the following information is considered by doctors:
- When you examine the cancer cells under a microscope, you’ll see how abnormal they appear. The grade of the cancer is determined by this measurement.
- The stage of cancer is determined by two factors: the size of the tumor and if it has metastasized.
Your doctor will use the information your body provides to determine which treatment you need. Another approach medical practitioners might characterize your cancer is as localized, locally advanced, or evolved.
Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinomas form in the gland cells coating the prostate gland and its tubes. These cells produce prostate fluid.
Of all types of prostate cancer, adenocarcinomas are most prevalent. In fact, nearly every person with prostate cancer has this type.
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is divided into two types:
- Acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate – This is the most common form. It originates from gland cells that line the prostate gland.
- Ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate – Ductal adenocarcinoma begins in the cells that line the prostate gland’s ducts. It spreads quicker and grows more rapidly than acinar adenocarcinoma.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate
Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate begins in cells that line the urethra, which is a tube that carries urine from the inside of the body to the outside (the bladder). This sort of cancer generally starts in the bladder and spreads to the prostate. However, it is possible for it to start in the prostate and travel into other parts of the bladder.
This is also known as urothelial carcinoma of the prostate. Out of 100 prostate cancers, 2-4% are this type.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate
These types of cancers develop from cells that are flat and cover the prostate. They have a reputation for growing and spreading more quickly than adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Small cell prostate cancer
Small cell prostate cancer might also be classified as a type of neuroendocrine tumor. They tend to develop more quickly than other types of prostate cancer.
How is Prostate cancer diagnosed?
Prostate cancer testing for asymptomatic, healthy men is a topic of debate in the medical world. Some organizations believe that the benefits do not outweigh the risks, while others encourage discussion among 50-year old male patients and their doctors.
This conversation should include a review of your risk factors as well as what you prefer in terms of screening before making any decisions. People who are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer might want to consider starting these discussions earlier than age 50.
Screening tests for prostate cancer include:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) – To check for abnormalities in your prostate, which is next to your rectum, your doctor will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum during a DRE. If they find anything abnormal with the texture, shape or size of the gland, you may need more tests.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – To diagnose prostate issues, your doctor will likely take a blood sample from a vein in your arm to check the PSA levels. PSA is produced naturally by your prostate gland, and it’s normal for there to be some of this substance present in your bloodstream. However, if the amount found is higher than what’s usual, it may indicate that you have an infection, inflammation or enlargement of the prostate, or cancer.
If your doctor screens you for prostate cancer and detects an abnormality, they may suggest more tests to see if you have prostate cancer, like:
- Ultrasound – During a transrectal ultrasound, a tiny probe about the size and shape of a cigar is inserted into your rectum. The probe generates an image of your prostate gland using sound waves.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Your doctor may advise an MRI scan of the prostate in certain cases to produce a more detailed view. To plan a surgery to remove prostate specimen samples, your doctor might utilize MRI pictures.
Collecting a sample of prostate tissue – If your doctor suspects cancer in the prostate, he or she may recommend collecting a sample of cells from your prostates for analysis (prostate biopsy). A fine needle is sometimes inserted into the prostate to gather tissue via prostate biopsy. The tissue sample is examined in a laboratory to see whether cancerous cells are present.
There are four stages of Prostate cancer:
The main stages of prostate cancer are classified from I (1) to IV (4). Some stages are further divided into sub-stages (e.g., A, B, etc.). In general, the lower the number, the less advanced the cancer is. Conversely, a higher stage number such as IV means that cancer has progressed more.
Stage I: In this early stage, cancer is generally sluggish growing. The tumor cannot be felt, and it affects only one-half of 1 side of the prostate. PSA levels are low. Cancerous cells resemble normal cells in appearance.
Stage II: Stage II prostate cancer is small, but there is an increased risk that it will grow and spread. This type of tumor is found only in the prostate, and PSA levels are medium or low.
- Stage IIA: A tumor that cannot be felt affects roughly half of one side of the prostate or less. PSAs are in the moderate range, and the cancer cells are well-differentiated. This stage also includes larger tumors that only occur in men’s prostates if the cancer cells are still well characterized.
- Stage IIB: The tumor is only located inside of the prostate. It may be large enough to be felt during a DRE, or Digital Rectal Exam. The PSA level is in the medium range, and the cancer cells are moderately differentiated.
- Stage IIC: The cancer is confined to the prostate, and it may be large enough to be felt with a DRE. The PSA level is in the normal range. The cancer cells may be mild or highly differentiated.
Stage III: A high PSA level, tumor growth, or a high-grade cancer all point to locally advanced cancer that is likely to grow and spread.
- Stage IIIA: The cancer started in the prostate but has now grown to nearby tissues including the seminal vesicles. The PSA level is high, which means that it may have also spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage IIIB: The tumor has not only grown outside of the prostate gland, but it may have also invaded nearby structures – like the bladder or rectum.
- Stage IIIC: The cancer cells across the tumor look significantly different from healthy cells.
Stage IV: The cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body.
- Stage IVA: The cancer has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes.
Stage IVB: The cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes, other organs, or bones.
What are the treatments for Prostate cancer?
Treatment choices for men with prostate cancer may include the following, depending on the situation:
- Surgery – The most common surgery to treat prostate cancer is called a radical prostatectomy. The surgeon performs this operation by removing the entire prostate gland as well as some of the tissue surrounding it, including the seminal vesicles.
- Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Depending on how severe the prostate cancer is and other conditions, radiation therapy might be a treatment option.
- Cryotherapy – Cryotherapy is the application of very cold temperatures to destroy prostate cancer cells and the majority of the prostate. Although it’s sometimes referred to as cryosurgery, it isn’t truly a surgery.
- Hormone therapy – The purpose of hormone therapy, also known as androgen suppression therapy, is to lower the amount of male hormones (androgens) in the body or prevent them from causing prostate cancer cells to grow.
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy, commonly known as chemotherapy (chemo), is a type of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer medications administered by injection or given orally. The medicines reach all areas of the body except for the brain and central nervous system via the circulation.
- Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses medications to stimulate the immune system and help it better recognize and destroy cancer cells. Certain types of immunotherapy can be used to treat prostate cancer.
Targeted therapy – Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to improve patient outcomes by specifically targeting and attacking cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells. By identifying the differences between cancer cells and healthy cells, targeted therapies can attack a tumor’s inner workings in order to slow or stop its growth. Although each type of targeted therapy works differently, they all aim to change the way a cancer cell grows, divides, repairs itself, or interacts with other cells.
What are the side effects of Prostate cancer treatment?
Prostate cancer and its therapies may disrupt normal urinary, bowel, and sexual function because the prostate is near to several essential organs. These side effects include:
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Hormonal changes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
What is the role of radiation therapy in Prostate Cancer?
Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells using high-energy rays or particles. Radiation treatment might be given at various stages of prostate cancer and depending on a variety of factors: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Depending on the stage of the prostate cancer and other factors, radiation therapy might be used:
- Low-grade, localized prostate cancer patients have cure rates similar to those who undergo radical prostatectomy.
- The first treatment (in addition to hormone therapy) for cancers that have spread outside the prostate gland and into nearby tissues.
- If the cancer hasn’t been completely eliminated or recurs in the region of the prostate after surgery (recurs).
- To assist in maintaining the cancer at bay as long as feasible and to help alleviate or avoid symptoms if necessary.
- As the first therapy for low-grade prostate cancer that has not spread to other areas of the body. Men who received these treatments had a comparable cure rate to those who underwent radical prostatectomy.
What is the prognosis for someone with Prostate cancer?
Survival rates give you an idea of what percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer are still alive a certain amount after they were diagnosed, which is usually 5 years. These rates can’t tell you how long you will live, but they may help give you a better understanding of your treatment’s success rate.
The relative survival rate compares individuals with the same kind and severity of cancer to people in the general population. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a particular stage of prostate cancer is 90%, it means that males who have that disease are, on average, about 90% as likely to live for at least 5 years after diagnosis as males who do not have that disease.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
There are several things that can raise your risk of developing cancer, such as a risk factor. Different types of cancer have different risk factors. Some risks, such as smoking, can be modified. Others, like a person’s age or family history, are beyond our control. However, having a risk factor or several does not guarantee that you will get the illness. Many individuals who have one or more risk factors never develop prostate cancer; while others who get prostate cancer may have had few or no known risk factors. Researchers discovered a number of characteristics that might affect a guy’s chance of getting prostate cancer.
- Age
- Race or ethnicity
- Geography
- Family history
- Gene changes
- Diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Chemical exposures
- Prostate inflammation
- STIs and STDs
- Vasectomy
How can you reduce your risk of getting Prostate cancer?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, there are some steps that men can take to reduce their risk. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables.
- Getting regular exercise.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Not smoking.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Talking to your doctor about your risks and getting regular screenings.
We are here to help
A prostate cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be scary. Our team of experienced doctors and nurses will provide you with the best possible treatment. We understand that each patient is unique, so we’ll develop a care plan specifically for your situation.
We will tailor a plan for you that provides the best chance of recovery, whether it includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. If you have questions or concerns at any point during your treatment journey, please do not hesitate to reach out to us – we are here for you every step of the way.