Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common disease in older men and can be life-threatening if not detected early. Symptoms may include pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction. A blood test for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) can help diagnose the cancer, but a biopsy is needed for confirmation. Treatment options and prognosis depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s health, age, and PSA levels. Prostate cancer can spread through tissues, the lymph system, or the blood, so further tests are done to determine if cancer has metastasized. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better chance of recovery from prostate cancer.

 

Prostate cancer prognosis and treatment options are influenced by cancer stage, patient’s age and health, cancer recurrence, and PSA level.

 

Cancer spreads through tissue invasion, lymph system, and blood vessels. Tests are done after prostate cancer diagnosis to determine if cancer has spread within the prostate or to other parts of the body.

 

Radionuclide bone scan involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material to detect rapidly dividing cells like cancer cells in the bones. MRI creates detailed images using magnets and radio waves, also known as NMRI. Pelvic lymphadenectomy removes pelvic lymph nodes for examination. CT scan uses x-rays and dye to create detailed images from different angles. Seminal vesicle biopsy examines fluid for cancer cells. These tests, along with tissue biopsy and PSA blood levels, help determine the disease stage, prognosis, and treatment options.

Surgery is a common treatment option for prostate cancer in patients with good health. Different types of surgeries may be recommended, including pelvic lymphadenectomy to remove lymph nodes and assess for cancer, radical prostatectomy to remove the prostate and surrounding tissues, and Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to relieve symptoms caused by a tumor. Surgery may lead to side effects such as impotence and urinary or fecal leakage. Nerve-sparing surgery may be an option to preserve erectile function, but not all patients are suitable candidates based on tumor size and location.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. Two types are external, where a machine sends radiation to the cancer, and internal, where radioactive substances are placed near the cancer. Risks include bladder and rectal cancer, impotence, and urinary issues in men.

Hormone therapy for cancer blocks hormone action to stop cancer growth. Male sex hormones can fuel prostate cancer. Therapy may cause hot flashes, sexual issues, bone weakening, diarrhea, nausea, and itching.

Tests for cancer diagnosis or staging may be repeated to assess treatment effectiveness. Treatment decisions may be adjusted based on restaging results.

Pakistan tertiary hospitals offer urology services for prostate issues, involving surgeons and oncologists for cancer.