Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a tumor which is malignant. and contains cells from the prostate gland.

So what is the prostate gland? The prostate gland is a male organ located at the bottom or neck of the bladder. The gland is around the first part of the urethra. The urethra is what carries urine from the bladder onto the penis. This gland also is what produces semen.

In a man that is of younger age, the prostate gland should be no more than the size of a walnut. As a male ages though, this gland will become bigger. The medical term for enlargement of this gland is called prostatic hypertrophy. This enlargement does not mean cancer, but can cause problems in males of older age.

Cancer of the prostate gland is very treatable if detected early on. This cancer usually advances slowly, and is often asymptomatic.

When this cancer type progresses, it will go beyond the prostate gland, and into other tissues around it. As it can go up further, it metastasizes and goes into bones, lungs, and also liver. Symptoms often appear therefore, in the more advanced stages.

Causes of this cancer are not well known. Medical research has found that benign prostatic hypertrophy is often associated with the onset. Otherwise, chances of developing this cancer is related to age advancement. It is much more rare for a male of 40 to have this cancer, then say, someone 60 or older.

Genetics can play a role up to some point. It has also been found that black men seem to have a greater chance of this cancer type then white males.

Testosterone can also play a big role too. Testosterone is the male hormone which, produces the tissue of the prostate and is connected to making cancerous cells.

Environmental factors can trigger a prostate cancer risk. Things like smoking, and a high fatty diet can increase risks. Working around an environment with toxins may or may not also trigger this cancer risk, but this has not clearly been proven.



Detection early is the key.

As I said earlier here, this cancer is silent until it reaches advanced stages. This is why a blood test called the PSA is essential is measuring the specific antigen that is connected with the prostate gland.

A digital rectal examination is important in determining prostate cancer in males by the urologist. Many times this exam can be a determining factor in whether cancer might be present.

As prostate cancer becomes more advanced, urination will slow way down since the tumor keeps growing. The bladder will then become very large, and there is usually pain accompanying urination.

For more about male sexual problems and diabetes, see my other site. There is information there with video on ED. Sexual problems and males.