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prostate cancer types, causes, treatment

Prostate Cancer – Types, causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

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In the male reproductive system when the cancer cells are developed in the gland called prostate gland it is known as prostate cancer. Mostly it grows slowly, but in some cases aggressive growth of prostate cancer is seen.  From the prostate the cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body, specially bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer may cause difficulty in urinating ,problems during sexual intercourse, pain or erectile dysfunction. Other than this problems increase in the later stages of this disease.

Types of Prostate Cancer

There are various types of prostate cancer which can occur in different parts of prostate. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is the precursor to prostate cancer, which is also seen in many different locations of prostate. There are many different kinds of prostate cancer but around 95% of times its is of type which is called as adenocarcinoma. It is the most widespread type because of which it has become synonym of term prostate cancer.  

  • Adenocarcinoma: peripheral zone which is the main glandular zone of the prostate , is the most common site of prostate cancer.in order to derive the meaning of the term adenocarcinoma we split it, Adeno means pertaining to a gland, and whilst carcinoma means cancer that develops in epithelial cells. Epithelial is the term which relates to the cells that surround the organs or glands of the body.
  • Small cell carcinoma: This type of cancer typically forms at nerve cells and is made up of small round cells. This type of prostate cancer is very aggressive in nature and it is harder to detect it as it does not lead to an increase in prostate specific antigens.therefore at the time of detection it is already in advanced form.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: As in small cell carcinoma there is no increase in prostate specific antigens when it is present and it is non glandular cancer. This type of cancer is also very aggressive in nature. There are also some other rare forms of prostate cancer which includes sarcomas and transitional cell carcinoma. The transitional cell carcinoma develops rarely in the prostate but it is derived from primary tumor present in the bladder or urethra.

Causes of Prostate Cancer:

There is no specific cause of prostate cancer. The basic risk factor includes family history and age, it is very uncommon in men those are younger than 45, but gradually with increasing age it becomes common. At the time of diagnosis the average age is 70 years. Risk of having prostate cancer is  double for the men who have first degree family member with prostate cancer than in men without prostate cancer in the family.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

This disease is accompanied by number of unique symptoms because of the location of the prostate in the body. Due to cancer, as the prostate enlarges the urethra is pinched tighter within the prostate. Because of the narrow tube it becomes much harder for urine to make its way through urethra and out of the body. This results in four primary  urinary problems which are:

  • Frequency of urination: urinating much more often than normal
  • Not being able to urinate
  • Urgency for urination – having a sensation that you need to urinate immediately.
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Nocturia – it is the problem when you need to get up to urinate multiple times during the night.
  • Hesitancy – it is the difficulty suffered in starting the urine stream.

These symptoms are direct result of urethra being pinched closed by enlarged prostate. Some other less common symptoms are:

  • Blood in the urine and the semen
  • Impotence that is new onset erectile dysfunction
  • Severe pain in bone majorly in lower back ,hips or ribs.
  • Loss of bladder control

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer:

Many tests can be done to determine if someone is suffering from prostate cancer. The Medical health history of the patient is checked before any other diagnosis.the test which are needed to diagnose prostate cancer are:

  • PSA (prostate specific antigen) test of blood
  • DRE– Digital Rectal Examination and Transrectal ultrasound is also performed in order to aid diagnosis
  • To determine the stage of cancer, imaging studies like bone CT scan or MRI scan
  • Urinalysis
  • Urine Flow Rate
  • Transrectal Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy
  • Abdominal Ultrasound
  • Cystoscopy

Types of Prostate Surgery

The expert team of doctors decide the type of surgery to be performed which depends on the diagnosis and the severity of the cancer . the treatment can be non invasive procedure without hospitalization or it can be standard surgeries necessitating hospital stay.

  • Noninvasive Procedures: This procedure is conducted on outpatient basis and does not require anesthesia, this procedure includes:
    • PVP which is photoselective vaporization of the prostate
    • TUIP that is transurethral incision of the prostate
    • TUNA that is transurethral needle ablation
    • TUMT (transurethral microwave thermotherapy).
    • TUVP (transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate)
  • Invasive Surgeries: this type of surgery involves hospital stay and general anesthesia is given to the patient. This procedure includes:
    • TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate)
    • Open prostatectomy,in which the surgeon removes the prostate through a small incision made in the lower abdomen.

Types of Prostate Cancer Surgery

Depending on the patients health condition , age , expected life span , stage and grade of cancer the type of treatment procedure is selected. Prostate cancer can be treated in many ways. In some conditions even combinations of treatments can be used. Prostate cancer surgery can be of following types:

  • Radical Prostatectomy ( Open and Laparoscopy Both )
  • Robotic Prostatectomy ( Da Vinci Technology)
  • Laser Surgery for Prostate Cancer ( Holmium Laser )
  • HIFU ( High Intensity Frequency Ultrasound)
  • Green Light Laser (PVP Technology)
  • Brachytherapy ( Seed Guided Radiation)

Prostate Cancer Surgery in India

India is recognised as one of the best medical destination for prostate cancer surgery. Vaidam which is NABH certified medical tourism adviser helps you to get complete knowledge on Prostate Cancer – Surgical and Cost in India. The surgeons in India are highly qualified and have years of experience and are affiliated in many renowned medical organizations.The hospitals in India are well equipped with advanced medical treatment and methodologies and all this is available at much reasonable costs as compared to other countries.

All you need to do is send your enquiry on the Vaidam’s portal or give a call and expert medical adviser will get in touch with you to provide you with all the needed information and assistance.

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