Some tumors are malignant – Vital tests are important
Even in today’s instant transmission of news and information some people will still ask the question “What is prostate cancer?” Prostate cancer is obviously cancer of the prostate; and cancer the abnormal growth of cells. Since cancer cells have long lives the cells will produce more abnormal cells which form into tumors. They may be small at first yet they are still malignant which means they will attack normal cells and possibly prove lethal to the person who is cancerous. However not all tumors formed in the prostate gland are caused by cancer nor are they malignant either “therefore correct diagnosis is vitally important.
The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostrate gland essential for proper functioning of the sexual and reproductive systems produces some of the fluid that both nourishes and protects the sperm cells in semen. Right above the prostate are the seminal vesicles which generate approximately 60 percent of the fluid for the semen. Also the nerves which control erectile function are attached to and run along the sides of the prostate. The prostate surrounds the urethra (the tube which carries semen and urine through the penis). Although it is only the size of a walnut this little gland when diseased with cancer can bring down a fully grown man.
Usually prostate cancer will slowly develop. Actually in its earlier stages prostate cancer can be often cured at rates of 90 percent or even better. Since it does grow slowly it may take some years for the disease to develop enough to be detectable. However if the cancer further develops it may become metastatic. Metastatic cancer cells will travel through the body’s blood or lymph (body tissue fluid containing immune or white blood cells) to form tumors in other parts of the body. These tumors are called “secondary” tumors since they are created by the original cancer cells which came from the “primary” tumor which in this case came from the prostate gland. Since it did originate from the prostate it will continue to be known as “prostate cancer.” Unfortunately once the secondary tumors develop cure rates will significantly drop.
However since early prostate cancer produces little or no symptoms it is usually necessary for men to have a prostate cancer test. Although prostate cancer affecting men under the age of 40 is rare most medical professionals believe that men should begin yearly screenings for prostate cancer at the age of 40 and older. The risk for prostrate cancer increases as men grow older. In fact men older than 80 years of age face higher risks of contracting it “in fact between 50 and 80 percent of older men may have prostate cancer.
Two tests are used in screening potential cancer risk patients: Digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. In the DRE the medical professional will insert his gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum in order to palpate (feel) the nearby prostate. If he detects any irregularity or lumps then he will suspect prostate cancer. The other test the PSA blood test measures the concentration of the molecule antigen within the blood. If the concentration levels are high the doctor will again suspect prostate cancer. In both cases if cancer is suspected the next step will involve taking a biopsy (removing tissue) from the prostate. Then a pathologist will take the tissue and look at it through a microscope searching for further signs of prostate cancer.
Tip Of The Week: Although younger men can be affected by prostrate cancer it usually strikes the older man. Also since there may be few if any symptoms shown in early prostate cancer men over the age of 40 should annually submit to a prostate cancer screening. It probably will not be the best experience of a man’s life; however it could be just the thing that saves his life.
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