The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, a small gland located just below the bladder in males. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body and plays a role in the production of semen, which nourishes and transports sperm. A cancer that occurs in the prostate is called prostate cancer, which can be of several types. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Bhavin Visariya, Senior Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, discusses prostate cancer in detail.
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What Is Prostate Cancer?
“Prostate cancer generally occurs in older men, although it has a prolonged growth in most cases,” said Dr Visariya. It is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland and occurs when normal cells in the prostate gland mutate and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, although it can often grow slowly and may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages.
According to a research article published in the Journal Frontiers of Public Health, prostate cancer accounted for an estimated 14 lakh new cancer cases and 3.75 lakh deaths in 2020. In India, prostate cancer cases for the periods 2010, 2015, and 2020 were estimated as 26,120, 28,079, and 30,185, respectively, as per data published in the Indian Journal of Urology (IJU).
Different Types Of Prostate Cancer
According to Cancer Research UK, there are different types of prostate cancer. These include:
Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of prostate cancer, accounting for over 90% of cases. It originates in the gland cells that produce prostate fluid.
Ductal adenocarcinoma: This type of prostate cancer starts in the cells lining the ducts of the prostate gland. It tends to be more aggressive than adenocarcinoma.
Sarcomas: Sarcomas are rare types of prostate cancer that develop in the connective tissues of the prostate gland. They account for a small percentage of prostate cancers.
Neuroendocrine tumours: Neuroendocrine tumours of the prostate are rare and aggressive. They arise from specialised cells called neuroendocrine cells in the prostate gland.
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Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Some common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Frequent need for urination especially in night
- Urination that burns
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak flow and blood in the urine
Dr Visariya said, “Since the prostate is an essential organ for reproduction, signs like sexual dysfunction, painful ejaculation, and problems in maintaining an erection may also be a sign of prostate cancer. Some men with early prostate cancer experience no symptoms.”
Understanding The Risk Of Advanced Prostate Cancer
“Prostate cancer is staged advanced when it has reached an incurable stage and begun to spread to other body parts like the lymph nodes, bones, liver, or lungs,” said Dr Visariya, adding, “Multiple treatment options are available to slow its progression, which includes hormone therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and many newer advances under clinical trials at present.”
“Considering the current treatment advancements, even people diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer can benefit significantly from treatment. These can include reducing or eliminating symptoms, slowing further cancer growth, and prolonging life by many years,” he concluded.