What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes some of the fluid that is part of semen.
The prostate is located below the bladder (the hollow organ where urine is stored) and in front of the rectum (the last part of the intestines). Just behind the prostate are glands called seminal vesicles that make most of the fluid for semen.
The urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis, goes through the center of the prostate.
Prostate cancer most often begins in the outer part of the prostate. It is the most common cancer in men older than age 50. In most cases, the cancer grows very slowly. Many men with the disease may never know they have it.
Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor (growth) made up of cells from the prostate gland.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Almost all prostate cancers are Adenocarcinomas. These cancers develop from the gland cells (the cells that make the prostate fluid that is added to the semen).
Other rare types of cancer that can start in the prostate include:
- Small cell carcinomas
- Neuroendocrine tumors (other than small cell carcinomas)
- Transitional cell carcinomas
- Sarcomas
These other types of prostate cancer are rare. If you are told you have prostate cancer, it is almost certainly an Adenocarcinoma.
Generally, the tumor usually grows slowly and remains confined to the gland for many years. During this time, it may produce little or no symptoms or physical signs. However, not all prostate cancers behave the same way. Some aggressive types grow and spread rapidly and can significantly shorten life expectancy.
The Gleason score is a measure of prostate cancer aggressiveness. It is calculated by a trained pathologist using prostate biopsy specimens under a microscope.
As cancer progresses, it can spread to nearby tissues (local spread) and even metastasize to distant organs like bones, lungs, and liver. Symptoms typically appear in advanced stages.
It's also common for the prostate to enlarge naturally with age — a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This can cause urinary problems and may be confused with prostate cancer.
Treatments and Procedures
The kind of prostate cancer treatment depends on PSA blood levels, rectal exam results, imaging tests, and Gleason score. Common treatments for organ-confined or locally advanced prostate cancer include:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Hormonal Therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Combination Therapies
- Watchful Waiting
Note: Metastatic prostate cancer is not curable at this time. Treatment such as hormonal therapy and chemotherapy is palliative, aimed at symptom relief.
Surgical Treatment
Radical Prostatectomy – Removal of the entire prostate gland.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – Partial removal of the prostate through the urethra, used when full surgery isn’t an option.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation aims to stop or kill cancer cells. Types include:
- External Beam Radiation: High-energy X-rays target the tumor area.
- Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds implanted directly into the prostate using ultrasound guidance.
Cryotherapy
A newer treatment where radioactive spheres are inserted into the prostate under general anesthesia. These emit low-level radiation over ~6 months.
Hormone Therapy (Hormonotherapy)
Since prostate tumor growth is often driven by testosterone, hormone therapy works by reducing or blocking testosterone action. It may be used alone or with chemotherapy.
- Testicles Ablation: Removal of testicles to lower testosterone levels.
- Estrogens: Like diethylstilbestrol, to reduce testosterone; may cause cardiovascular side effects.
- LH-RH Agonists: Block testosterone production from the testicles.
- Anti-Androgens: Block all male hormones; may cause loss of libido and erectile dysfunction.
After treatment, PSA levels are monitored regularly, and patients are observed for any sign of relapse.
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or irregularities. It helps detect abnormalities that may need further testing.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: Measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer or other benign conditions.
- MRI Scan: A multi-parametric MRI gives detailed images of the prostate to identify suspicious areas needing biopsy.
- Prostate Biopsy: If PSA or MRI results are abnormal, tissue samples are taken (usually via the rectum) to check for cancer cells under a microscope.
- Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): Often used to guide biopsy needles or visualize the prostate using sound waves.
- Bone Scan or CT/MRI (If Cancer Is Confirmed): Imaging tests are done to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
🔵 Prostate Cancer: Risk Factors & Symptoms
🔍 Risk Factors
- Age over 50 increases the risk significantly.
- Family history (father or brother with prostate cancer).
- Higher prevalence among African-American men.
- High-fat diets and sedentary lifestyle.
- Inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Weak or interrupted urine flow.
- Blood in urine or semen.
- Lower back, hip, or pelvic pain.
- Erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation.
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss in later stages.
Prostate Cancer FAQs
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It's one of the most common cancers in men, especially over age 50.
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
- Age (risk increases after 50)
- Family history of prostate cancer
- African or Caribbean ancestry
- Diet high in red meat and low in fruits/vegetables
- PSA blood test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
- Digital rectal exam (DRE)
- Prostate biopsy (if tests are abnormal)
- Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans for staging
Yes. Most prostate cancers are treatable, especially if found early. Options include:
- Active surveillance (for low-risk cases)
- Surgery (prostatectomy)
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy (in advanced cases)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and low in red/processed meat
- Exercising regularly
- Getting regular check-ups after age 50, or earlier with family history
- Men age 50+ with average risk
- Men age 45+ with family history or high-risk groups (like African ancestry)
- Talk to your doctor to decide the right time to begin screening.
Not always. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause serious harm, especially if caught early. However, aggressive forms can spread and require prompt treatment.
