Prostate cancer is the cancer of a tiny gland in the male body known as prostate. The prostate produces the seminal fluid and is involved in transportation of the sperm. Prostate cancer is usually symptom less initially. As a result, it goes undiagnosed for a long time.
The cancer is not fatal or dangerous if it is only confined to the prostate gland. Some types of prostate cancers can spread and are thus dangerous. Treatment by a competent oncologist is essential even if the cancer is limited to the prostate.
Prostate cancer is a very common condition. According to a report by the World Cancer Research Fund, prostate cancer is the second most occurring one in men. Over all it is the fourth most occurring one. In the year 2018 alone, 1.3 million new cases were diagnosed.
Pakistan has been facing its own epidemic of prostate cancer. According to a study conducted in 2012, prostate cancer is among the top five cancers diagnosed in Pakistani males.
Around 3041 cases of prostate cancer were reported in Pakistan for the year 2012. Prostate cancer can be tough on patients and on their families. Here is a detailed analysis of the prostate cancer and how it can be dealt with.
Table of Contents
Symptoms:
As mentioned earlier, prostate remains undetected in its initial stages because there are no symptoms. However, when the cancer spreads or enters later stages some painful symptoms are experienced.
The main symptom of the prostate cancer that is experienced is trouble while urinating. Patients may also see blood in urine or semen. General pain in bones and especially in the pelvic area can also be a sign of the prostate cancer.
Complications:
The cancer is easily treatable if it stays in the prostate gland only. Sometimes, the cancer increases in size and it may spread to other body parts. In such cases, fatal complications may develop. Some of the complications of the prostate cancer are not dangerous but they seriously affect the quality of life.
The prostate cancer usually spreads to the bladder causing a urination problem. Patients may experience an unsteady stream of urine and may also experience pain while urinating.
Sometimes the cancer may go beyond the bladder, all the way to the lymphatic system. From there, the cancer may even reach the bones causing severe pain in joints and broken bones.
Erectile dysfunction is another complication that develops due to the prostate cancer. Some procedures used for treatment of the cancer may also affect erectile function.
Risk factors:
Age and genetic tendency are big risk factors when it comes to prostate cancer. Older people with a family history of prostate cancer are at the greatest risk of developing it. Black and obese men are also at a greater risk of catching the disease.
Treatment:
Depending upon the size of the cancer, patients of prostate cancer may not need treatment at all. The cancer has to be monitored for progression regularly. When treatment is actually required two options are available.
Surgery:In cases where the cancer has substantially developed a surgery known as radical prostatectomy is required. This procedure involves the removal of the prostate gland.
Radiation: Radiation therapy is a common treatment approach for prostate cancer. Radiation may either be in the form of outer beams such as x-rays or radioactive seeds may be placed inside the body.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer, you should visit an oncologist as soon as possible. You can read more on the condition of prostate cancer on oladoc.com.
You can also book an appointment with top oncologists in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 to get directed to the specialists that can cater to your specific concerns.
