Something About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 American men. Ifaccounts for five distinct patterns that prostate
prostate cancer is caught in its early stages, mosttumor cells go through as they change from
men will not experience any symptoms. Somenormal cells. This scale runs from 1 to 5, 1
men, however, may experience symptoms thatrepresenting very nearly normal cells and 5
might indicate the presence of prostate cancerrepresenting cells that don't look much like
such as frequent urination, especially at night;prostate cells at all. Normal prostate cells are
difficulty in starting urine flow or holding it back; aconstantly reproducing and dying and each new
weak or interrupted flow of urine, a painful or acell has the same shape and appearance as all of
burning sensation; difficulty getting an erection;the other cells. But cancer cells look different and
blood in the urine or semen; painful ejaculations; orthe degree to which they look different is what
a frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back,will determine the cancer grade.
upper thighs, or hips.Each man should learn as much as possible about
These symptoms can also indicate the presencevarious treatment options and make his own
of other diseases or disorders and so, men whodecision about what is best for him. This decision
experience any of these symptoms shouldwill probably rest on a combination of psychological
undergo a thorough examination to determine theand clinical factors. The most important first step
cause.in deciding on the best treatment course will be in
DRE and PSA tests cannot diagnose prostatecareful consideration of different treatment
cancer, but they can signal a need for a biopsy inoptions available. Any decision that is made now,
order to determine if there are prostate cancerespecially in a case of localized prostate cancer,
cells. A biopsy consists of needles being insertedwill reverberate for a long time to come.
into the prostate in order to take small samplesYou should consult all of the three types of
of the tissue, usually along with an ultrasound. Aspecialists: a urologist, a medical oncologist, and a
biopsy may cause some pain or discomfort, but itradiation oncologist. They will offer the most
is a short procedure and is usually performed oncomprehensive advice on available treatments and
an outpatient basis.outcomes.
The Gleason Grading system, or Gleason Scores,