Cancer starts when the cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer cells. These cells in turn spread to other areas and parts of the body. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate gland is found only in men and it is responsible for making some of the fluid that is part of their semen.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas i. e. a malignant tumour formed from glandular structures in the epithelial tissue. Prostate cancers develop from the gland cells. Other types of cancer that can start in the prostate include:
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- Small cell carcinomas
- Transitional cell carcinomas
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Sarcomas
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
A blood test called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA levels present in the blood of a person. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who suffer from the severities of prostate cancer. These levels may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate in general.
The higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present in a person's body. However, factors including age and race affect the PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others. PSA levels can be affected by the following factors—
- Certain medical procedures
- Certain medications
- An enlarged prostate
- A prostate infection
Many factors can affect the PSA levels. Consulting a doctor is the best way to interpret your PSA test results. If in case the PSA test is abnormal, the doctor may also recommend a biopsy in order to find out if you suffer from prostate cancer.
Importance of Prostate Cancer Screening
The goal of prostate cancer screening is to find cancers that may be at high risk for spreading if not treated rightfully and timely. In order to diagnose them early before they spread, a proper screening is a must. Although, most prostate cancers grow slowly or not in a jiffy. One of the few reasons why a screening is not only necessary but also beneficial is that a screening for prostate cancers may lower the high risk of spreading. As the spread is controlled and treated, it may lower the chance of fatalities in some men.
Most men with prostate cancer never experience any symptoms. Therefore, without screening one would never know they had the disease.
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
The treatment of prostate cancer primarily depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed.
Most types of prostate cancer grow in the body gradually. Additionally, the rest of these cases require monitoring. Depending on the severity the treatment is then decided. The aggressive one’s may require radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.