Prostate Cancer

What is the prostate?

The prostate gland acts rather like a junction box. It allows the tubes that transport sperm from each testicle, and the tubes that drain from the seminal vesicles to meet and then empty their contents in to the urethra (the seminal vesicles consist of two pouches that provide nutrients for the sperm and lie immediately behind the prostate.)   The prostate gland also provides reproductive fluids that mix with others from the seminal vesicles during ejaculation.  

For additional information on the prostate, visit The Prostate Cancer Centre website.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer, simply put, is the uncontrollable growth of cells in the prostate.   Because of its location (between the rectum and the bladder), the resulting malfunctions of the prostate affect its surrounding glands and their functions.

What are its symptoms?

Symptoms of prostate cancer include isolated cases or combinations of the following:           

  • Painful or burning urination
  • Difficulty urinating
  • A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
  • Weak or interrupted flow of urine
  • Blood in urine
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

What therapies are available for treatment?

There are just over half a dozen types of treatment available today.   Their invasiveness and side effects range drastically.   The following is a brief list and descriptions of present therapies and some side effects:

Watchful Waiting

A "passive" therapy in which the patient carefully monitors symptoms.   Since prostate cancer is usually slow-growing, most men opt for this instead of more aggressive therapy.   Cancer cells may travel to other parts of the body between medical examinations.

Radiation Therapy

External radiation is aimed at prostate cancer cells, normally over a 6-8 weeks period.   Side effects include frequent and/or burning urination and proctisis (inflammation of the anus).

Cryosurgery/therapy

Needles apply freezing gases to the prostate, with limited long term success.   Side effects             include blood in urine, scrotal swelling and impotence.

Chemotherapy

Normally applied in advanced cases, since its drugs are highly toxic and systemic (affects the whole body).   Chemotherapy may relieve pain or slow tumor growth.   Its side effects include nausea/vomiting, hair loss, and mouth sores.

Seed/Brachytherapy

Low or high dose radiation seeds are implanted in the prostate, with a high success rate in younger cases with localized prostate cancer.   Side effects include blood in urine, scrotal burning, incontinence, or impotence.

Hormone Therapy

Therapy administered by suppressing, blocking, or eliminating testosterone to slow tumor's growth. Side effects include impotence. weight gain, loss of muscle mass. and fatigue.

Prostatectomy

Removal of the prostate by surgical incisions in the abdomen or perineum (between anus and scrotum).   Normally recommended to younger patients in good health, with high success rates.   Risks of a removal of the prostate include impotence, incontinence, and surgical complications.

For additional information on treatments and therapies, visit prostate-cancer.com.

 
Disclaimer   Contact us