Prostate Cancer:
Prostate
Cancer:
Prostate cancer is a group of cancerous
cells (a malignant tumor) that begins most often in the
outer part of the prostate. Early prostate cancer usually does not cause
any symptoms. However,
as the tumor grows, it may spread from the prostate to surrounding areas.
Change in urination,
including increased frequency, hesitancy or dribbling of urine may be
experienced. Prostate cancer
can spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs.
This spread is called
metastasis. For example, as a result of metastasis to the spine, some men
experience back pain.
As the tumor grows, it may spread from one part of the prostate to
surrounding areas. Symptoms
of prostate cancer may include:
Frequent urination (especially at night)
Weak urinary stream
Inability to urinate
Interruption of urinary stream (stopping and starting)
Pain or burning on urination
Blood in the urine
Pain in lower back, pelvis or upper thighs
Stopping testicular production of testosterone may relieve many of these
symptoms.
What Is
Prostate Cancer?
Prostate
cancer occurs when cells within the prostate grow uncontrollably, creating
small tumors.
The term “cancer” refers to a condition in which the regulation of cell
growth is lost and cells grow
uncontrollably. Most cells in the body are constantly dividing, maturing
and then dying in a tightly
controlled process. Unlike normal cells, the growth of cancer cells is no
longer well-regulated.
Instead of dying as they should, cancer cells outlive normal cells and
continue to form new,
abnormal cells. Abnormal cell growths are called tumors. The term “primary
tumor” refers to the
original tumor; secondary tumors are caused when the original cancer
spreads to other locations in
the body. Prostate cancer typically is comprised of multiple very small,
primary tumors within the
prostate. At this stage, the disease is often curable (rates of 90% or
better) with standard
interventions such as surgery or radiation that aim to remove or kill all
cancerous cells in the
prostate. Unfortunately, at this stage the cancer produces few or no
symptoms and can be
difficult to detect.
|
