Prostate Cancer: Causes, Types and Treatment

Table of Contents

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men, which is responsible for producing a fluid that forms a part of semen.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men and develops when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably.
It often grows slowly and may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, in advanced stages, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe complications.
Early detection through regular screening tests, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal exam (DRE), is crucial for improving the prognosis and survival rate of prostate cancer patients.

What is Prostate?

The prostate is a gland found in the male reproductive system that produces and secretes a fluid that nourishes and protects the sperm.
Prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
The size of the prostate can vary throughout a man’s life and can cause problems if it grows too large, leading to conditions such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis.
The prostate plays a crucial role in male sexual and reproductive health.

Types of Prostate Cancer

The type of prostate cancer an individual has can impact their prognosis and treatment options.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer and usually grows slowly, while other types of prostate cancer can be more aggressive and may require more aggressive treatment.
Early detection through regular screening is essential for improving the prognosis of individuals with this cancer.
This cancer can be categorized into different types based on their appearance under a microscope. The following are the different types of prostate cancer:

1. Adenocarcinoma – This is the most common type of prostate cancer and accounts for around 95% of all cases. It develops in the gland cells that produce the fluid that makes up semen.

2. Sarcomas – These are rare types of prostate cancer that develop in the connective tissues of the prostate gland.

3. Small cell carcinomas – These are aggressive types of cancer (prostate) that usually grow and spread quickly.

4. Transitional cell carcinoma – This type of cancer is rare and develops in the cells that line the tubes carrying urine from the bladder through the prostate gland.

5. Neuroendocrine tumors – These are uncommon types that develop from the hormone-producing cells of the prostate gland.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not yet fully understood. However, various factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing this cancer.

The following are some of the possible causes and risk factors of prostate cancer:

1. Age – The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older, with the majority of cases occurring in men over 50 years of age.

2. Genetics – Inherited genetic mutations, such as changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, can increase the risk.

3. Family history – Men with a family history of prostate cancer, particularly in a first-degree relative such as a father or brother, have an increased risk of developing the disease.

4. Ethnicity – This cancer is more common in Black men than in other racial or ethnic groups.

5. Diet – A diet high in red meat, high-fat dairy products, and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing cancer (prostate).

6. Lifestyle factors – Factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity have been linked to an increased risk.

7. Exposure to certain chemicals – Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides or herbicides, may increase the risk.

While these factors may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, it is essential to note that many men with the disease may not have any of these risk factors. Regular cancer screening is recommended for men over the age of 50 to help detect the disease early and improve the chances of successful treatment.

Early Signs

No early signs or symptoms
Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
Abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE)
Changes in urinary habits or flow (weak stream, hesitation, urgency, frequency)

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Difficulty starting urination
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Frequent urination, especially at night
Trouble emptying the bladder completely
Pain or burning during urination (dysuria)
Weak bladder control (urinary incontinence)
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
Painful ejaculation
Erectile dysfunction

Complications

Prostate cancer has the potential to metastasize, spreading to nearby organs like the bladder, or even traveling to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, particularly
Urinary incontinence can be caused by both prostate cancer and its treatment.
Erectile dysfunction is also a possible outcome of prostate cancer or its treatment, such as radiation, surgery, or hormone treatments.

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Digital rectal exam (DRE): It is a physical examination of the prostate gland
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: It is a test that measures the level of PSA in the blood
Biopsy: It is a procedure to remove a sample of prostate tissue for examination under a microscope

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight
Eating healthy foods rather than supplements: It helps to maintain appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals in the body.
Exercise: Exercise improves both physical and mental health of a person and improves mood as well.
Maintain appropriate body weight: Appropriate body weight helps to ensure that our body metabolism is sound.
Screenings: Regular Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and Digital Rectal Exam (DREs) for early detection of prostate cancer.
Medications: Some drugs, such as finasteride and dutasteride, can lower the risk of developing cancer (prostate).

Treatment

Active surveillance through monitoring the cancer with regular check-ups and tests
Surgery of removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy)
High-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy for blocking the production of male hormones (androgens) that fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells
Chemotherapy using drugs to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy to strengthen the immune system.