Prostate cancer is a slower-moving cancer that grows in the prostate gland. All men are at risk of developing prostate cancer, but it is more prevalent in old age. A prostate cancer doctor can help increase your survival chances through early diagnosis and treatment. Here’s more information about how age affects the aggressiveness of prostate cancer:
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the appearance of a tumor that grows in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a significant part of the male reproductive system, and it is located under the bladder surrounding the urethra. The gland is responsible for producing semen that carries the sperm at the time of ejaculation. When the prostate gland’s cells transfigure, prostate cancer begins to grow, and the cancerous cells increase to form tumors.
Common Risk Factors
If your relatives, such as your father and brother, have had the condition, it may increase your chances of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can also affect men differently based on their race and environmental factors. High nutritional fats can also be a cause of prostate cancer in men.
Risks of the condition increase with age, and prostate cancer doctors recommend early screening for men with higher risks. The screening process entails a digital rectal examination that helps the specialist to feel the prostate’s form and appearance. A specialist may take a blood sample to examine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measure. When the PSA is higher, the doctor conducts an MRI fusion autopsy for lab assessment.
Prostate Cancer Stages
Your prostate cancer doctor rates the irregularity of your cancer cells to find the Gleason score. The score helps the medical specialist grade the aggressiveness of your cancer. Your specialist then determines how much the cancer has advanced and spread. Prostate cancer can spread to your bones and other organs, such as the liver, brain, and lungs.
Signs and Symptoms
When the disease is in its preliminary stages, you may not notice any symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may encounter a regular need to urinate, mostly at night. You may also experience pain or a burning sensation when urinating and a lack of bladder and bowel control. Other signs include blood in urine and semen, pain during ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The doctor may perform treatment based on factors such as your general health and cancer prevalence. Your medical specialist may monitor the condition without offering treatment if it hasn’t spread or is developing slowly. If the cancer shows symptoms of growth, the doctor can begin treatment. Prostatectomy surgery involves removing the affected gland and can stop cancer from spreading to other organs. The surgery can be robotic or open, depending on the spread of the condition. A successful surgery can reduce or eliminate the need for other treatments.
Robotic surgery is highly accurate and often less painful. Laparoscopic procedures involve thin, flexible tools with a camera to detect the gland and complete the surgery through video feed. A medical specialist may recommend non-surgical treatments such as radiation therapy for treating cancer alongside other treatments. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy.
Consult a Prostate Cancer Doctor
A prostate cancer specialist will conduct advanced examinations to detect the spread and condition of the cancer before determining a treatment plan. Advanced treatment can eliminate cancer and restore your health without interfering with sexual function. If you think you are at risk of the condition, consult a reputable prostate doctor today to arrange an assessment.
