Cancer of the Prostate

Several different medical tests are used to detect prostate cancer.  In and of themself, each is not conclusive.  Following is a brief description of the most common tests and procedures:

Rectal Examination
The doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feel the prostate gland. They can often determine adnormal shape, character, or size.  Just because a prostate is enlarged does not mean it is cancerous.

PSA Test
The PSA is a blood test which measures the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level. If the PSA is too high, it can be an indication of prostate cancer.  There are several other conditions that will the blood PSA levels, even including recent bicycle riding.

Ultrasound
A small probe is inserted in the rectum to accomplish an ultrasound scan. This will graphically map the exact prostate size.

Biopsy
A prostate biopsy is accomplished from a probe in the rectum.  From it a needle is inserted in the prostate and a small sample of tissue is removed for microscopic examination.

X-rays
X-rays can can visualize cancer that has spread from the prostate to nearby bones. CTs are simply a more complex computer-enhanced x-ray system.

Today routine screening for prostate cancer is hit-and-miss.  The reason: the tests are not accurate enough to be absolute.

For example, screening every man by testing PSA would flag many men cancer-free men.  And on the other hand many men with cancer would go undetected.

However, men with a family history of prostate cancer may benefit from screening. This should be discussed with your doctor to determine a course of action.

Treatment

Prostate cancer is detected in early stages half the time, while the other half of prostate cancer men are diagnosed after cancer has advanced and spread. When prostate cancer is detected in the early stages, it is successfully treated in nine of ten cases. Detected later, cancer treatment can provide several extra years of life and prevent pain of the disease, although it does not normally provide a cure. 

Some prostate cancers grow fairly slowly, therefore no treatment is required. Where treatment is required, three main methods are used:

Surgery
Surgery known as prostatectomy where the whole prostate is removed.

Radiotherapy, also called Radiation
High energy rays (x-rays) are used to kill the cancerous cells. This may also destroy the originating tumor and reduce the pain caused by the cancerous tumor cells that spread to the bones.

Brachytherapy
This newer type of radiotherapy consists of small radioactive wires or pellets being inserted directly into the tumor, killing it from the inside. This may be as effective as other available treatments, or better. This may produce fewer side effects. 

Hormone Therapy
Growth of cancer cells in the prostate depends on the male hormones, androgens. Drugys may reduce the amount of androgens produced by the body. They also work by blocking the effect of androgens on the cancer cells. Thus, this prevents the tumor growth or even shrinks it.

Note: Most prostate cancers after approximately five years can develop without androgens so the hormone therapy stops working.

Alternative Therapy
There may be alternative approaches that are effective for prostate cancer. They typically use natural products, diet modification, lifestyle changes and vitamin supplemention.

The sponsor of this website is one such source.

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