Prostate cancer
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Prostate cancer is a malignant neoplasm that most often occurs in men over 55 years of age. In the CIS countries, the disease is in 4th place in terms of frequency in oncology. In Western European countries and the United States, it is even more common. Prostate cancer develops slowly and does not manifest symptoms for a long time. And it is very important to detect the disease in time to begin treatment.
In some countries, the incidence of prostate cancer reaches 200 cases per 1000 people. And in terms of mortality rate, it is one of the "leaders" in oncology. Cancer cells multiply and spread uncontrollably, metastasizing to other organs and tissues.
At an early stage, a small tumor with minimally aggressive cells appears. Later, the tumor grows beyond the prostate and becomes more aggressive. Gradually, it spreads to neighboring structures. And at the last stage of cancer, the lymph nodes and bladder are affected, metastases form in the lungs, bones and other organs. At the late stages of the disease, the prognosis is the worst, but the chances for successful treatment still remain.
It is very important to undergo regular examinations by specialists in order to detect prostate cancer in a timely manner, conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and begin treatment. In this article, we will consider the main symptoms of prostate cancer, risk factors and the specifics of treatment at the Humanitas clinic.
Risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancer in men
Among the risk factors, scientists identify four main ones:
More obvious symptoms appear in the later stages of the disease. Thus, there may be blood in the urine, pain in the bones (if metastases have appeared), back and legs, weakness, weight loss, etc. This may mean that the cancer has moved to the last IV stage. This will require complex and long-term treatment, and the prognosis will no longer be as positive as with early detection. Therefore, it is so important to promptly contact a specialist and, if necessary, undergo diagnostics.
The process of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment
Initially, a digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound are performed. Then – a blood test and a biopsy of the tumor tissue. Comprehensive diagnostics allow us to confirm or exclude the presence of malignant cells, to detect the location of the tumor with high accuracy and to develop an individual treatment plan for a specific patient depending on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, the general condition of the person and other factors.
The main method of treating prostate cancer is surgery. If the tumor is localized, radical prostatectomy is performed. If possible, the most gentle endoscopic surgery is used. If this operation is performed in a timely manner, the life expectancy of patients increases by 10-15 years or more. After the operation, the result is consolidated with hormonal therapy.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used as auxiliary methods. The methods allow to reduce the size of the neoplasm before surgery and to destroy the remaining cancer cells after the tumor is removed.
In general, the prognosis for treatment is mostly positive. However, it is much easier to prevent the disease than to cure it. A healthy and active lifestyle, no bad habits, and proper nutrition help protect yourself from prostate cancer. It is worth limiting the amount of products with animal fats and a lot of calcium. At the same time, you need to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. This will significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, if there are no other serious risk factors.
In some countries, the incidence of prostate cancer reaches 200 cases per 1000 people. And in terms of mortality rate, it is one of the "leaders" in oncology. Cancer cells multiply and spread uncontrollably, metastasizing to other organs and tissues.
At an early stage, a small tumor with minimally aggressive cells appears. Later, the tumor grows beyond the prostate and becomes more aggressive. Gradually, it spreads to neighboring structures. And at the last stage of cancer, the lymph nodes and bladder are affected, metastases form in the lungs, bones and other organs. At the late stages of the disease, the prognosis is the worst, but the chances for successful treatment still remain.
It is very important to undergo regular examinations by specialists in order to detect prostate cancer in a timely manner, conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and begin treatment. In this article, we will consider the main symptoms of prostate cancer, risk factors and the specifics of treatment at the Humanitas clinic.
Risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancer in men
Among the risk factors, scientists identify four main ones:
- Genetic predisposition. If a relative has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the risk of developing it in other men in the blood line is doubled. However, there is no single gene that is responsible for the development of the disease.
- Diet. A number of studies have confirmed that fatty, high-calorie foods contribute to the development of prostate cancer. A large amount of eggs, meat, cheese, and milk in the diet can also provoke cancer. At the same time, a lack of vitamin D in the body is a risk factor.
- The influence of carcinogenic factors. This includes ecology, lifestyle, and the specifics of a person's daily activities, where he or she interacts with carcinogens to one degree or another.
- Prostate adenoma. If a man is faced with this disease, the risks of developing prostate cancer increase.
More obvious symptoms appear in the later stages of the disease. Thus, there may be blood in the urine, pain in the bones (if metastases have appeared), back and legs, weakness, weight loss, etc. This may mean that the cancer has moved to the last IV stage. This will require complex and long-term treatment, and the prognosis will no longer be as positive as with early detection. Therefore, it is so important to promptly contact a specialist and, if necessary, undergo diagnostics.
The process of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment
Initially, a digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound are performed. Then – a blood test and a biopsy of the tumor tissue. Comprehensive diagnostics allow us to confirm or exclude the presence of malignant cells, to detect the location of the tumor with high accuracy and to develop an individual treatment plan for a specific patient depending on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, the general condition of the person and other factors.
The main method of treating prostate cancer is surgery. If the tumor is localized, radical prostatectomy is performed. If possible, the most gentle endoscopic surgery is used. If this operation is performed in a timely manner, the life expectancy of patients increases by 10-15 years or more. After the operation, the result is consolidated with hormonal therapy.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used as auxiliary methods. The methods allow to reduce the size of the neoplasm before surgery and to destroy the remaining cancer cells after the tumor is removed.
In general, the prognosis for treatment is mostly positive. However, it is much easier to prevent the disease than to cure it. A healthy and active lifestyle, no bad habits, and proper nutrition help protect yourself from prostate cancer. It is worth limiting the amount of products with animal fats and a lot of calcium. At the same time, you need to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. This will significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, if there are no other serious risk factors.