Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor on the prostate, the internal male organ of the genitourinary system. This disease mainly affects men over forty years of age. The disease is far from rare. According to statistics, every seventh man in old age has prostate cancer.
To date, the causes of cancer are not known for certain. The appearance of the tumor is associated with increased male hormone testosterone. Of course, the reasons may be general negative factors that can cause any oncology.
Factors:
- bad ecology;
- harmful production;
- heredity;
- improper diet and lifestyle in general;
- bad habits.
What is dangerous prostate cancer?
In the male body, the prostate gland is responsible for part of the functions of ejaculation, sperm production, and the function of containing urination . Cancer appears in the glands of the prostate, grows very slowly and imperceptibly. All the insidiousness of this tumor lies in the fact that it may not manifest itself for more than ten years. Most often, men go to the doctor already at the last stage of prostate cancer.
Despite the slow growth of the tumor, it can metastasize in the early stages of the disease. Often the patient comes to the doctor with complaints of pain in other organs affected by metastases, and a malignant prostate formation is detected later.
Cancer cells, as a rule, affect the hip bones, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, and lungs. At the stages when there are metastases, surgery is already useless, it is possible to use chemotherapy and x-ray therapy in order to stop the spread of metastases and slow down the growth of the tumor.
With a diagnosis of prostate cancer, life expectancy depends on how far the disease has gone and on the overall health of the man.
Symptoms
- frequent bone fractures;
- frequent urination;
- pain in the perineum;
- blood in urine and seminal fluid.
When contacting a doctor with such complaints, it often turns out that the prostate is affected by a tumor. Cancer with such symptoms, as a rule, is already running, since serious signs do not appear immediately.
The most important thing that every man after forty should do is donate blood from a vein to a prostate-specific antigen. This analysis reveals cancer already at its origin. Passing it regularly, a man guarantees himself health and longevity.
Treatment
Modern treatment guarantees complete recovery while preserving all the functions for which the prostate gland is responsible. Cancer is completely removed by surgery - in the absence of metastases.
Today, there are several treatments for prostate cancer:
- medical methods;
- ultrasound treatment;
- radiation therapy;
- operation;
- cryotherapy.
The treatment method is chosen by the doctor together with the patient after all examinations have been completed.
Afraid of treatment is not worth it. If the patient turned to the oncologist on time, it is possible to remove the tumor without any particular damage and with the preservation of all male functions and other tasks for which the prostate gland is responsible.
Cancer in the later stages is rarely cured, but certain procedures can significantly extend life.