Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system. Normally, the prostate is quite small- the same size and shape as a walnut and is located between the bladder and the base of the penis. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate. That's why any disease or condition that increases the size of the prostate or causes inflammation can lead to urinary problems. If the prostate is enlarged, it can squeeze the urethra, affecting the flow of urine and causing other annoying and painful symptoms. If it is inflamed, it can cause burning during urination.

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and potential spread of abnormal cells. The human body is made up of billions of cells. Normally, cells reproduce themselves by dividing so that growth occurs. When cells grow abnormally and become a mass, it is called a tumor.

The growth of benign tumors may interfere with body functions. The growth of malignant tumors invade and destroy the surrounding tissue in the body.

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in American men. It is typically comprised of multiple small tumors?within the prostate.

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The American Cancer Society has stated the following:


During the past 25 years, overall 5-year survival rates for all stages of prostate cancer combined have increased from 69% to?nearly?100%.



WHAT CAUSES PROSTATE CANCER?
Cancer in the prostate results from damaged DNA. This damage can either be inherited or acquired during one's lifetime. Researchers aren't sure how the damage is caused but they have identified some risk factors. These include age, race, enviroment, diet, genetics, and family history.
If untreated prostate cancer can spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones, or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. As a result of mietastasis, many men experience aches and pains in the pelvis, hips, ribs, back and other bones.
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WHAT ARE THE?SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER??
  • frequent urination
  • weak urinary stream
  • inability to urinate
  • interruption of urinary stream
  • pain or burning on urination
  • blood in urine
  • pain in lower back, pelvis or upper thigh
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ARE YOU SURE I HAVE PROSTATE CANCER?
Only a biopsy can definatley confirm prostate cancer. In a biopsy, a needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the prostate. This tissue is examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present.?
If the biopsy is taken and prostate cancer is found, the tumor is graded; also known as Gleason grading. After the grade has been determined the tumors are assessed based on their size and location; called staging.
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WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVALIABLE FOR PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS?
Your treatment options will depend on several factors, including your age, the stage of your disease and the advice of your physician. ancer is when cells in the body begin to change and mulitply out of control and eventually form a lump of tissue. This formation is known commonly as a tumor. The following are the three types of bladder cancer.