Overview of prostate cancer-
Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death among males. The most common type of cancer among males is prostate cancer. The figures are mind-boggling. Cardiovascular disease overtakes other causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with prostate cancer after ten years. In cancer patients, reducing cardiovascular disease decreases both cardiovascular-specific and cancer-specific mortality.
Because of these factors, the US Preventive Service Task Force advises PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening following an informed patient conversation.
Prostate-specific antigen values-
Most patients with a PSA level of less than 4ng/mL will have a normal prostate (10-15 percent may have cancer if a biopsy is done). As we age, our PSA levels slightly rise. The levels can occasionally rise due to prostate inflammation (caused by an infection or sexual activity). Occasionally, taking testosterone can increase the levels as well. Prostate cancer is found in 25% of people with a borderline PSA level (4–10 ng/mL). The percentage increases to 50% if the PSA is greater than 10 ng/mL.
Common prostate cancer treatment may increase the risk of a fatal heart condition.
Prostate in males-
Prostate cancer (PC) treatment is a rapidly developing area of pharmacological research. Numerous innovative treatments that increase survival and enhance disease control have recently received approval. Currently, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, targeted therapy, and supportive medicines make up the systemic treatment for prostate cancer (e.g., related to bone health). Unfortunately, a lot of them come with a chance of cardiovascular problems, which can occasionally be more deadly than cancer itself.
The male reproductive system includes the prostate and seminal vesicles. The prostate weighs roughly one ounce and is about the size of a walnut. Two much more diminutive paired glands make up the seminal vesicles. Each side of the prostate has one of these glands attached. According to some, the seminal vesicles resemble rabbit ears that are linked to the prostate. In front of the rectum and below the bladder is the prostate. The urethra is encircled by the prostate. The urethra is a tube that exits the bladder through the penis to carry urine. Men with enlarged prostates struggle to urinate because of this. It may obstruct the bladder’s ability to release urine.
Symptoms of prostate cancer-
Dull pain in the lower pelvic area
Frequent urination
Trouble urinating, pain, burning, or weak urine flow
Blood in the urine (Hematuria)
Painful ejaculation
Pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight
Bone pain
Risk factors for prostate cancer-
Age
Ethnicity
Family history
Smoking
Geographical area
Diet
Prevention of prostate cancer-
Doing things that are “heart healthy”, will also keep your prostate healthy. Eating right, exercising, watching weight and not smoking can be good for health and help avoid prostate cancer. Patients who take medication for prostate cancer are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Still, it is not clear if these drugs are effective or not and have what possible side effects.
Diagnostic tools-
Screening
PSA blood test
Digital rectal examination
Screening recommendations-
Between 55–69 years old
African–American
Have a family history of prostate cancer
Grading and staging of prostate cancer-
Grading (with the Gleason Score) and staging define the progress of cancer and whether it has spread:
Grading
The pathologist assigns it a “grade” based on the presence of prostate cancer cells in the tissue from the core biopsies. The grade represents a prediction of how quickly the cells would proliferate and spread (how aggressive it is).
The Gleason grading system is the most often used system of grading. Each tissue piece is graded using this system, which ranges from three (3) to five (5). In the past, we have only given one (1) and two (2) scores (2). The tissue is considered to be close to normal if the grade is less than three (3). A tumor with a grade of three (3) is likely to grow slowly. Prostate cancer with a high grade of five (5) is extremely aggressive and high risk.
Staging
Also measured is the tumor stage. The prostate cancer stage indicates its location inside the organ, its extent, and whether it has spread to other organs. Cancer in its early stages can still carry a very significant risk. DRE and specialized imaging investigations are used to stage the malignancy.
The TNM system is the one utilized for tumor staging. Tumors, Nodes, and Metastasis are referred to as TNM. DRE and other imaging tests, like an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or bone scan, can detect the “T” stage. Imaging scans demonstrate whether and where cancer has progressed, such as to lymph nodes or the bone.
The majority of men who undergo these staging imaging tests have a Gleason score of 7 or higher and a PSA level of more than 10. In order to assess alterations detected on the bone scan, further pictures are occasionally required.
Treatment choices for prostate cancer-
Surveillance
Active Surveillance
Watchful Waiting
Localized Therapy
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Cryotherapy
Focal Therapy
Systemic Therapy
Hormonal Therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
