Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland – a reproductive organ of men that produces seminal fluid to nourish the sperm. The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer begins in the inner lining of the prostate gland. It is usually discovered when DNA mutation causes a lump in the prostate. 

Each year thousands of new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed worldwide. Of these cases, it occurs more commonly in men above 50. Though prostate cancer is common, it is not dangerous. This is because it grows slowly in older men and is diagnosed before the advanced stage. In many cases, it takes decades to spread the cancer beyond the prostate gland. 

The on-time detection of the disease starts with early prostate treatment. Read on to learn about prostate cancer symptoms, risk factors, causes, screening tests, and prostate cancer treatment. 

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer progresses through four stages, each with distinct characteristics. Understanding these stages is vital for effective management and treatment.

Stage 4:
The cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body, such as bones or lymph nodes, making it more challenging to treat and usually requiring systemic therapies.

Stage 1:
The cancer is small and confined to the prostate, often with no symptoms, and is typically highly treatable.

Stage 2:
The tumor grows larger but remains localized within the prostate; treatment options are still effective.

Stage 3:
The cancer spreads beyond the prostate to nearby tissues but hasn’t reached distant organs, requiring more aggressive treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In many cases, prostate cancer is incidentally detected. The patient might have gone for a health check and a diagnosis may show that they may have cancer. However, it is recommended that you watch out for the following prostate cancer symptoms: 

• A frequent need to pass out urine, especially at night
• An intense need to urinate
• Weak urine flow
• Painful urination
• Burning sensation in urine
• Bleeding in urine or semen
• Loss of bladder control
• Erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation
• Pain in your chest, hips, or lower back
• Weak bowel control. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer

The exact cause of prostate gland cancer ​​remains unknown. However, it is generally believed that prostate cancer develops due to DNA mutations within the prostate gland, leading to the uncontrollable multiplication and division of cells. These cancerous cells cluster together, forming a lump or mass, which can grow into a larger “island” of cancer within the gland. This abnormal growth is what ultimately defines the onset of prostate cancer. 

Risk Factors

Now that you have learned what prostate cancer causes. Let’s go through the following discussion to understand the risk factors associated with prostate problems in men, including cancer :  

• Age: The risk for swollen prostate cancer increases as you grow older. Usually, 50+ is the age when the risk of developing cancer in the prostate gland increases. Often, it has been observed that many times men die without knowing they have cancer.
• Family History: You are at a higher risk of becoming the victim of prostate gland cancer if your father or brother has been diagnosed with a cancerous disease. 
• Lifestyle: Men who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop the advanced stage of prostate cancer symptoms. Similarly, those who eat a lot of high-processed food, high dairy products, and red meat are more prone to this serious disease.
• Smoking: Those who smoke cigarettes or consume tobacco are more prone to become the victim of the disease.
• Prostatitis Treatment: Prostatitis is a painful prostate problem that causes swelling in the prostate. If you have undergone swollen prostate gland treatment, you are at a greater risk of developing the signs of prostate cancer. 
• Genetics: You are more likely to develop this disease with Lynch syndrome. Furthermore, the men with the inherited variants of the BRACA1 or BRACA2 gene are at a great risk of this disease. 
• Chemical Exposures: Studies suggest that exposure to industrial chemicals can be a potential factor for prostate cancer.

Diagnosis and Testing 

Screening is the first step in checking for prostate cancer. but, sometimes, the symptoms of prostate cancer disease are the red flag signs of the disease. Here is a step-by-step diagnostic plan to help you understand the initial steps for the prostate testing: 

1. Physical Exam and Health History 

If your doctor suspects the enlarged prostate symptoms, they might ask some general questions, including your family cancer history, medical history, and possible risk factors. 

Then, the doctor examines the possibility of the cancer through a digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your finger to feel any kind of lump in the prostate gland. If they suspect swelling, hard part, or enlargement in the gland, they move on to the next step of prostate cancer diagnosis.

2. PSA Blood Test

PSA blood test is a crucial screening test to detect cancerous cells in the prostate gland. PSA is a protein formed inside the gland that is confirmed in the laboratory blood test examination. Men with a higher level of PSA are at a greater risk of the chances of having prostate cancer. 

3. Imaging 

CT scan, MRI, or transrectal ultrasound generate 3D images of the prostate gland and the other organs to help doctors understand the growth of the cancer.

4. Biopsy

This is another essential diagnostic screening test that the doctor recommends after confirming the cancerous cells in imaging tests. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a tissue sample from the prostate for the clinical test examination. This gives an idea about the intensity of the DNA mutation that causes the spread of the cancer to other organs.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Most commonly, a urologist, radiation oncologist, or medical oncologist offers prostate cancer treatment. The surgeon determines the treatment plan based on the stage and grade of your cancer as well as your age, expected lifespan, and previous health conditions. 

1. Chemotherapy
   Chemotherapy refers to drugs or medicine used to cure for prostate cancer. It intends to destroy the malignant cells in the prostate gland. It can be paired with other cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, or prostate gland surgery.  

A session may last from a few minutes to a few hours. Some patients with PSA cancer require multiple rounds of chemical therapy. A single round involves treatment for several days or weeks, followed by a gap of several days with no drugs. This gap reduces the side effects of chemo drugs on normal cells/organs. 

2. Radiation Therapy
   Also known as X-ray therapy, radiation therapy is one of the most powerful methods to treat prostate cancer. It uses radiation to kill malignant cells in the gland. The key noteworthy point is that it may or may not be paired with other cancer treatments. It effectively treats small tumours in the prostate. 

3. Prostate Cancer Surgery
   Also known as radical prostatectomy, prostate cancer surgery is the ultimate solution to get rid of malignant cell growth. During this surgery, the surgeon makes a single incision into your abdomen that should go to your pelvic bone. This way, they remove the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. Depending on the stage and severity of the cancer, the doctor may also remove lymph nodes. 

4. High-Density Focused Ultrasound
   This is also an effective treatment that destroys cancer cells with high-energy waves. However, it is not an approved treatment. 

5. Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
   It is a less invasive method and more popular than radical prostatectomy. During this surgical procedure, the doctor makes several tiny incisions to operate the cancerous gland via a robotic system (console).

Enlarged Prostate vs Prostate Cancer 

An enlarged prostate does not indicate prostate cancer. This is a normal condition that happens to almost all men when they grow older. As they age, their prostate gland size also grows bigger. This condition is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate gland enlargement symptoms are almost similar to the prostate cancer symptoms. However, there is a minor difference between both of the disease symptoms. To know enlarged prostate symptoms, look at the following pointers:

• Frequent need for urination
• Difficulty in urination
• Weak flow of urine
• Pain in ejaculation
• Burning sensation when you pee
• Unusual odour in urination

The prostate gland enlargement treatment is different from other prostate cancer treatments. It does not include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. The doctor can resolve the issue with medications and lifestyle changes. Some of the medications that the doctor prescribes are alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Similarly, the treatment for prostatitis includes antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, and lifestyle modifications.  

Why Choose Dr. Prabhudev Salanki for Prostate Cancer Treatment?

Dr. Prabhudev Salanki is a distinguished Urologist in Banglore. He holds an MBBS, MS, FRCS (Urol), DNB (Urol), FEBU, and Dip Lab Uro (Strasbourg). He has a fellowship from the International College of Robotics Surgeons. Sr. Salanki is known for treating conditions like uro-oncology, male urology, female urology, pediatric urology, prostate enlargement, urinary stones, urinary incontinence, and more complex urinary tract infections. 
He performs less invasive surgery, i.e. robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, PCNL-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, RIRS-Intra Corporeal Lasers to treat urinary bladder cancer, prostatitis, urinary stones, renal failure, ureteric stricture, female urinary incontinence and cystocele, and erectile dysfunction. The key noteworthy point is that he provides a state-of-the-art facility for providing patients with personalized care and support. For those seeking prostate cancer surgery, the prostate cancer operation cost is affordable. 

Post Treatment Care and Recovery

After prostate cancer surgery, following these self-care tips can help minimize complications and promote a faster recovery:

• Limit the time spent sitting each day.
• Increase light activity, like walking around the house.
• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Engage in moderate exercise.
• Avoid sexual intercourse during the initial recovery phase.

As time goes on, most patients gradually recover from erectile dysfunction, though some may experience long-term changes in ejaculation, including a lack of rigidity. If you notice swelling in the prostate or experience any symptoms you’re uncertain about, contact your doctor promptly.

Regular follow-ups are crucial for tracking recovery. The first check-up should occur within 4 weeks post-surgery, followed by appointments every 3 months for the first year and then every 6 months over the next 2 years.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Prabhudev Salanki