Before looking at the treatment options, let’s understand more about prostate cancer. But what is cancer? It is the uncontrolled growth of cells.
This uncontrolled growth can also occur in cells of the prostate gland, resulting in prostate cancer. The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. The gland is present beneath the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces secretions that nourish the sperm.
Prostate cancers are of multiple types based on the cell it affects. The different types are adenocarcinomas, sarcomas, neuroendocrine tumours, transition cell carcinomas, and small cell carcinomas.
Table of Contents
Symptoms pointing toward prostate cancer
The symptoms indicating the occurrence of prostate cancer are –
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in semen or urine
- Problems in urination (both beginning and ending)
- Pain in the hip, back, and pelvic region
- Change in bowel habits
- The constant need for urination and frequent urination
Diagnosis to confirm prostate cancer –
The diagnosis begins with a few questions followed by an examination by the doctor. Next, a digital rectal examination is performed by inserting the finger into the rectum and searching for problematic areas or bumps at the gland.
Blood test for Prostate Specific antigen (PSA) indicates the presence of prostate cancer. However, this test lacks a specific cut-off to determine the disorder. The levels may fluctuate with benign prostatic hyperplasia or tumourous prostate enlargement. In addition, inflammation due to infection, medications, and some urologic procedures can alter the levels.
The results of these tests decide further testing procedures for prostate cancer. It includes a biopsy. Prostate biopsy refers to taking the gland’s tissue sample to check the cells’ characteristics and whether they are cancerous or benign.
An imaging test such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) also assist in diagnosis.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatment is possible through various methods. However, the initial treatment involves waiting for the growth of prostate cancer and surgery for removal. Other treatment methods involve several therapies aimed at killing cancer cells.
- Waiting or surveillance
The monitoring category is of two types; watchful waiting and active surveillance. The reason for these options is the slow growth of prostate cancer and the age of development.
- Watchful waiting
Observation of prostate cancer is typically dependent on symptoms for further treatment procedures. If the symptoms develop, the doctor recommends other tests and diagnoses. Thus, the method does not require thorough examinations.
- Active surveillance
Due to the slow growth of prostate cancer, this treatment aims to monitor it in the body before taking any steps. Also, this step is lengthy and requires rigorous follow-ups. The procedure involves Prostate Specific antigen (PSA) test twice a year and a digital rectal examination once a year. Moreover, imaging and biopsy tests are done at intervals of one to three years.
The approach of watchful waiting and active surveillance is suited at the time when the body lacks symptoms and is aged.
- Radical prostatectomy
The option is appropriate when prostate cancer has not spread to other body organs. It involves the removal of the prostate gland, which surgeons perform through either of two methods. Radical prostatectomy is the operation via open or traditional methods or laparoscopic or modern methods.
Open prostatectomy is performed by making a large incision on the body to remove the prostate gland. It can be done by a retropubic approach or a perineal approach. The laparoscopic method removes the prostate gland by making several minor cuts on the body. The removal is done by specially designed surgical tools and uses robotic arms for the procedure.
If the initial treatment procedures do not work, cancer-killing therapies and hormone therapy are among the choices. In addition, doctors perform hormone therapy if surgery or radiation therapy is not fruitful or impossible.
- Hormone therapy
‘Androgen suppression therapy,’ or hormone therapy, aims to modify the hormone levels in the body. Androgens are significantly responsible for prostate gland development and, subsequently, cancer.
Thus, decreasing the concentration of hormones can reduce prostate development, reducing the growth of prostate cancer.
- Radiation therapy
Radiation of high-energy beams kills cancer cells. It is subcategorised into external radiation and internal radiation.
- Chemotherapy
Chemical compounds through injection or oral intake can kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is performed only in later-stage or high-grade cancers.
- Vaccination
Researchers have developed vaccines to attack prostate cancer cells. It uses the body’s immune system or white blood cells to treat cancer.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is slow growing cancer that requires different tests for diagnosis. The treatment methods are various and employed based on the stage of cancer. The initial prostate cancer treatment uses watchful waiting and an active surveillance approach. Along with this, prostatectomy can also be performed. Radiation and chemotherapies are performed in the later stages of prostate cancer.
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