Understanding Prostate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Prostate cancer originates in the small, walnut-sized gland located in a man's pelvic region. This gland produces seminal fluid vital for sperm nourishment and transport. Situated beside the bladder, it can be examined via rectal inspection. Tumor growth in the prostate may be benign or malignant. Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers in men, with about one in nine men being diagnosed. It also stands as a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among males.

Benign vs. Malignant Growths
Sometimes, prostate enlargement is benign, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A benign growth is non-threatening, doesn’t invade nearby tissues, and seldom recurs after removal. Conversely, malignant prostate tumors grow rapidly, spread to other tissues, and can be fatal. Malignant cells can break away, traveling through blood or lymph to form secondary tumors elsewhere in the body.

When malignant, prostate cancer can metastasize to bones, lymph nodes, and other organs, causing severe health issues. Cells retain their original characteristics even after spreading, defining metastatic prostate cancer, often treated as cancer in the affected site, such as bone.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?
While the specific cause remains unknown, abnormal cell growth in the prostate results from DNA mutations, leading to uncontrollable division. These rogue cells may stay localized or spread to other areas, forming tumors.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In early stages, prostate cancer may be asymptomatic. As it advances, signs may include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, blood in semen or urine, painful ejaculation, erectile problems, persistent pelvic or bone pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Urination issues like difficulty or pain

Blood in seamen or urine

Pain during ejaculation

Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

Persistent lower back, hip, or thigh pain

Unintended weight loss and appetite loss

How Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed
Screening involves Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing. Abnormal findings lead to ultrasound, biopsy, MRI fusion, or advanced imaging like CT scans and PET scans to confirm diagnosis and assess severity.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Physician palpates the prostate through the rectum

PSA Test: Blood analysis for PSA levels, elevated in cancer, infection, or enlargement

Biopsy: Tissue sampling via needle for lab analysis

Imaging: Ultrasound, MRI, CT, Pet scans to evaluate extent and spread

Once diagnosed, the cancer is graded (Gleason score 2-10) to determine aggressiveness and staged using scans to evaluate metastasis.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Key factors heightening risk include age—especially over 55—ethnicity (higher among African-American men), family history, obesity, smoking, and geographic location, with North America and Northern Europe showing higher incidence.

Older age

Ethnicity, notably African descent

Family history

Obesity and poor diet

Smoking habits

Environmental factors and location

Potential Complications
Prostate cancer may cause metastasis to bones and organs, leading to pain and fractures. It can cause incontinence and erectile dysfunction due to nerve or tissue damage during treatment.

Metastatic spread causing pain and structural damage

Urinary incontinence

Sexual dysfunction

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Depending on the growth rate and spread, management varies. Options include active surveillance, localized treatments (surgery, radiation, cryotherapy), and systemic therapies (hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy). Treatment plans are tailored based on stage, health, and patient preferences.

Monitoring with surveillance in slow-growing cases

Surgical removal or radiation for localized tumors

Hormone therapy, chemo, immunotherapy for advanced disease

Preventive Measures
Although some risk factors are unchangeable, adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce risk. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and discussing preventive medications with a doctor are recommended steps.

Eat nutritious foods low in fats and sugars

Engage in regular physical activity

Consult your doctor for preventive medications if at high risk