Prostate Cancer Guide: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, which is a small walnut-shaped gland that is a part of the male reproductive system. It is more likely to affect older man and is most common at 50 years of age and above. Hence, all men aged 50 and above are encouraged to go for prostate cancer screening by a urologist.

Types of Prostate Cancer

There are several types of prostate cancers:

• Adenocarcinomas: The most common type of prostate cancer. There are 2 types of adenocarcinomas which are acinar adenocarcinoma (develops in gland cells that line the prostate gland) and ductal adenocarcinoma (develops in the cells that line the ducts or tubes of the prostate gland)
• Small cell carcinomas: A type of neuroendocrine carcinoma
• Transitional cell carcinomas: Begins in the cells that line the tube of the urethra
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Begins in flat cells that cover the prostate
• Other rare cancers: Sarcoma, lymphoma

Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is more likely to occur in individuals with the following risk factors:

• Older age
• Family history: Relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer or breast cancer, inherited breast cancer genes – BRCA1, BRCA2
• Obesity

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Men with early prostate cancer usually do not experience any symptoms. Those in more advanced stages of prostate cancer may experience symptoms such as:

• Difficulty in passing urine
• Urinary hesitancy (weak urine flow, difficult to maintain a stream)
• Frequent urination
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bone pain

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer screening with fewer side effects is an effective way to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. Most prostate cancer screenings start at 55 years of age.

Tests to diagnose prostate cancer include:

• Digital rectal exam: Your doctor will examine the prostate to find any abnormalities in the shape or size of the gland.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: PSA is produced by the prostate gland. A blood sample is taken to check for PSA levels that are higher than normal.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample from the prostate is taken using a thin needle to be analysed for abnormal cells or cancer cells.
• Imaging tests: An image of the prostate gland is taken by using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Learn more about the different types of screening and diagnostic procedures performed to diagnose prostate cancer.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer treatment depends on several factors such as the rate of growth and spreading of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences. In most cases, prostate cancer is very treatable.

Patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer may be treated with:

1. Surgery

   Radical prostatectomy is a prostate cancer surgery procedure to remove the prostate either robotically, laparoscopically or using the conventional open surgery method.

2. Radiotherapy

   External beam radiation therapy delivers strong X-ray beams directly to the tumour from the outside of the body.

   Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) delivers radiation internally by placing radioactive seeds within the prostate to kill cancer cells and preserve surrounding healthy tissue.

3. Hormone therapy

   Hormone therapy stops the body from producing testosterone by blocking the production of testosterone to prevent prostate cancer cells from growing.

   Hormone medications include luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists prevent the body from producing testosterone.

4. Chemotherapy

   Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells that is administered intravenously, orally (as a pill) or both. This may be a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer and metastatic prostate cancer if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Complete prevention of prostate cancer is not possible. However, there are some ways to reduce the risk of prostate cancer:

• Regular prostate cancer screening tests
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet

Detect to Protect!

Prostate cancer is highly treatable, and early detection is essential for better outcomes. Prostate cancer can be detected early through PSA tests and a digital rectal exam, but it should be noted that both tests may not be 100% accurate as many factors can affect the results. Thus, it is recommended that men at average or high risk should discuss with their doctors to consider prostate cancer screening.

Discuss with your doctor to understand if you would benefit from screening for prostate cancer.

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and suspect you are developing prostate cancer, get in touch with us to find out more about our Oncology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.

Gleneagles Hospital works with oncologists to assist patients through cancer treatment. The caring and multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are available for consultation and to provide the best care.