Understanding Prostate Cancer
Learn about the normal prostate and how it becomes cancer
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland found in men, roughly the size of a walnut, situated just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It envelops a portion of the urethra—the tube responsible for carrying urine out of the body. The primary function of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid, a key component of semen that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. As men age, the prostate often undergoes changes that can lead to enlargement, potentially causing urinary symptoms. Understanding the prostate’s anatomy and function is essential, particularly in relation to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.
why does Prostate turn into Cancer?
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow abnormally. This abnormal growth starts with genetic mutations in the DNA of prostate cells. These mutations can cause cells to divide and grow more rapidly than normal cells and to live longer than they should. As these mutated cells accumulate, they form a tumor that can invade nearby tissue. In some cases, cancerous cells may break away and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.
The exact reasons why these genetic mutations occur are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. Age is a significant factor; prostate cancer is more common in men over 50. Genetics also play a role—having a family history of prostate cancer increases risk. Hormonal factors, particularly high levels of androgens (male hormones), may contribute to cancer development. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in red meat and dairy products, obesity, and exposure to certain chemicals, can also increase the likelihood of prostate cells becoming cancerous.
What types of Prostate Cancer are there?
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the most common type of prostate cancer, accounting for over 95% of all cases. It originates from the glandular cells of the prostate, which produce prostate fluid, a key component of semen. These cancerous cells can vary in behavior; some adenocarcinomas grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for many years, while others are more aggressive and spread quickly. Detection often involves screening methods such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Statistics indicate that prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among men worldwide. In the United States alone, it is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men after lung cancer. According to estimates for 2023, approximately 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, and about 34,700 men will die from the disease. While adenocarcinoma is by far the most common form, there are rare types of prostate cancer as well. These include small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, transitional cell carcinomas, and sarcomas. These rare forms tend to be more aggressive and may require different diagnostic and treatment approaches compared to adenocarcinoma.
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Adenocarcinoma prevalence
It accounts for over 95% of prostate cancer cases, making it the most common type.
High prostate cancer rates
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among men worldwide, with significant mortality rates.
Symptoms often absent
Early-stage prostate cancer usually presents no symptoms, making regular screening important for early detection.
How is Prostate Cancer Detected?
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
Measures PSA protein levels in the blood; elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer.
Digital Rectal Exam
A physical exam where a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to detect abnormalities.
Advanced Imaging
MRI, Ultrasound, PSMA PET scans can identify suspicious areas of the prostate.
Tissue Biopsy
Involves removing small prostate tissue samples to examine for cancer cells under a microscope.