Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland located under the bladder and forms components of the seminal fluid. This disease is characterized by the rapid spread of malignant cells. They spread to adjacent tissues and form tumors. If a malignant neoplasm is not treated for a long time, then there is a high probability that the disease can spread to neighboring organs, significantly reducing the possibility of a positive outcome.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a neoplasm related to a hormone-dependent tumor that develops when there is an increased level of testosterone in the blood. It is worth noting that the greater the amount of this hormone produced, the greater the risk of a tumor.
Initially, a malignant neoplasm affects only prostate cells, but over time, the tumor spreads to other organs, acquiring more serious stages of development. Metastases begin already at the 3rd stage, however, cancer of the 2nd degree can also metastasize to other tissues and organs.
According to reviews, the treatment of grade 2 prostate cancer is very successful provided that complex therapy is used, since at this stage there is no germination of malignant cells in neighboring tissues. Also, metastases to the lymph nodes and adjacent organs are practically not observed. If treatment is not done in a timely manner, the consequences of prostate cancer can be very serious, since with the subsequent progression of the disease, metastases pass to neighboring organs and tissues, which complicates the process of therapy.
Causes of the disease
Despite the achievements of modern medicine, the exact cause of the appearance of malignant neoplasms of the prostate has not yet been fully determined. However, based on the studies, it was proved that the disease can occur not only against the background of hormonal disorders, but also in the presence of other predisposing factors, in particular such as:
- elderly age;
- hereditary predisposition;
- bad ecology;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- malnutrition;
- chronic diseases of the prostate.
In addition, the disease can occur in the case of prolonged work in hazardous production in contact with toxic and chemical substances.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
The first symptoms of prostate cancer in men at the 2nd stage are not particularly pronounced. The main signs can be considered complicated urination, the presence of blood impurities in semen and urine, as well as a violation of sexual function. All these symptoms are indirect and may indicate the presence of other diseases of the male reproductive system.
Gradually, the symptoms of prostate cancer in men begin to manifest more strongly when the tumor begins to exert pressure on the walls of the bladder. In this case, the man experiences frequent urge to urinate, but urine leaves very slowly.
In addition, there may be other signs of prostate cancer, in particular such as:
- Urinary incontinence.
- Swelling of the lower extremities.
- Stones in the kidneys.
- Add blood in urine and semen.
- Violation of potency.
If there are signs of prostate cancer, then you should definitely consult a doctor for a comprehensive examination and subsequent treatment.
Diagnostics
Even with the most minor problems with urination, you need to contact a urologist as soon as possible. This symptom is uncharacteristic and may indicate the occurrence of other diseases of the genitourinary sphere of men.
Initially, the doctor conducts examination by palpation, as well as a rectal examination of the rectum. This method is considered the simplest and allows you to determine the presence of oncology. However, if the tumor can already be felt, then the disease is at the final stage.
If a malignant neoplasm cannot be felt, the patient is assigned to conduct a study using a blood test to detect a prostate-specific antigen. To make a more accurate diagnosis, an ultrasound examination, x-ray examination, tomography is prescribed.
The final diagnosis can be made after a biopsy of the prostate. To do this, the fence is performed with a special needle through the perineum or rectum of a small part of the gland.
Treatment
Many patients are interested in whether it is possible to cure prostate cancer of the 2nd degree and what methods are used for this. The treatment of the prostate gland is selected by a specialist depending on the stage of the disease, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant disorders. In addition, many other factors are also taken into account. The main methods of treatment are as follows:
- radical prostatectomy;
- radiation therapy;
- cryotherapy;
- hormone therapy.
Chemotherapy for a malignant neoplasm of the 2nd degree is carried out extremely rarely and only as part of complex therapy with other methods. There are other methods of treatment, however, a successful prognosis can only be at the initial stages of the course of the disease.
Surgical intervention
Surgery for grade 2 prostate cancer is a radical method of combating the disease. During the operation, a tumor is excised along with the affected prostate gland. Modern techniques are based on the use of an automated system.
In some cases, laparoscopy is considered, which is considered the most sparing option. At the same time, two small incisions are made in the lower abdomen, which are required for the introduction of the chamber and surgical instruments. The entire operation process is carried out under the supervision of specialists. This technique is the safest, allows you to reduce the risk of complications and prevent relapses.
In addition, radiation therapy for prostate cancer of the 2nd degree is carried out if other types of surgical intervention are contraindicated. It implies irradiation of the prostate gland with the help of special devices. Such a technique does not provoke coagulation disorders and does not affect the cardiovascular system. The prognosis of life expectancy in this case is quite favorable.
According to reviews, treatment of grade 2 prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy is possible. During surgery, it is possible to remove a prostate tumor without affecting healthy tissue. However, after the operation, urinary incontinence and deterioration of erection may be noted.
Chemotherapy
Treatment of prostate cancer is also carried out with the help of chemotherapy, which is prescribed in combination with other methods. This method consists in the use of drugs with toxic substances that affect malignant cells and stop their division.
Treatment with pills for prostate cancer of the 2nd degree implies that the drugs act on the membrane and nucleus of malignant cells, causing their destruction. However, it is worth remembering that such treatment has many side effects, the most common of which are hair loss, weakness, nausea, and fatigue. The most common drugs are considered such as:
- Mitoxantrone;
- Doxorubicin;
- Paclitaxel
- "Extramustine phosphate."
The course of taking funds for chemotherapy is six months and implies the use of drugs in tablet form or in the form of injections.
Radiotherapy treatment
Radiotherapy implies an effect on a malignant neoplasm with X-rays that slow down tumor growth. Radiotherapy is carried out using a linear accelerator, which extends to the tumor and lymph nodes to prevent its growth and spread of malignant cells throughout the body.
Radiation therapy is carried out in a course of 5 days a week for 2 months. The procedure itself is completely painless and takes only a few minutes, but after it is performed, the patient is recommended to rest for 2-3 hours. It is prescribed starting from the 2nd stage of prostate cancer, since radiation can affect healthy cells, provoking the occurrence of side effects.
Brachytherapy
An alternative method for treating prostate cancer in stage 2 of the disease is brachytherapy. The essence of this method is that under the control of an ultrasound device, iodized granules with a high degree of radioactivity are injected into the prostate gland. As a result, increased radiation is formed in the neoplasm, and tissues located near the tumor are almost not affected.
Brachytherapy is characterized by much fewer side effects due to its point exposure. Radioactive substances are introduced only into the prostate and affect only the tumor, without affecting nearby healthy cells. This increases the effectiveness of the procedure and minimizes side effects.
Forecast and Life Span
Life expectancy in grade 2 prostate cancer is approximately 10-15 years, however, these indicators can vary up and down. Despite the fact that each case of the disease is strictly individual, the prognosis is quite favorable, the degree of survival of patients five years after the diagnosis is almost 100%.
Life expectancy in grade 2 prostate cancer largely depends on the success of the therapy, the patient's age and the presence of concomitant pathologies. Most patients manage to recover completely, however, this requires a competent integrated approach to solving the problem.
Diet for malignant prostate cancer
Studies have shown that proper nutrition for grade 2 prostate cancer and diet can help slow the progression of the disease. Men who ate only vegetable fats lived much longer. This is due to the lack of metastases. At the same time, the food mainly included oils in salads and nuts.
A special diet that reduces the risk of disease progression implies the exclusion of white rice, bread and pastries from the diet. You need to eat nuts, fish, and legumes. Food should be balanced, frequent and fractional.
Proper nutrition is combined with healthy drinks, it is necessary to exclude caffeinated drinks.
Reviews of patients after treatment
Reviews about the treatment of prostate cancer of the 2nd degree are different, it all depends on the methodology used for the treatment. The most positive reviews are associated with radical prostatectomy, since such a technique is much more effective in comparison with hormonal and radiation therapy. It should be noted that during the operation, healthy cells are not affected, and the doctor most accurately determines the area of the prostate affected by the malignant cells.
Negative reviews about the treatment of prostate cancer of the 2nd degree are mainly associated with the problem of reducing erection and urinary incontinence. With the timely identification of the problem and the conduct of complex treatment, the prognosis is quite favorable, since you can quickly get rid of the disease and prevent the occurrence of relapse.