Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions on Prostate Cancer

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions on Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid. This fluid nourishes and transports the sperm. Prostrate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, which usually grows slowly and is confined to the gland. But sometimes, the growth of cancer cells can be aggressive and may spread quickly. This form of cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed in the early stages.

Frequently asked questions about prostate cancer
Prostate cancer affects close to 3 million men in the country every year. But, as it’s a complex condition, one might have a few questions. So, read further to know more about this condition.

What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer begins when the growth of cells in the prostate gland becomes out of control. It is a disease in which these cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate gland leading to certain complications such as frequent urination or weak urine flow.

Is prostate cancer common?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common non-skin types of cancer in men. Further, it’s also the 4th most common tumor diagnosed across the world. In the country alone, 1 in every eight men will likely be diagnosed with the condition. Moreover, a man is more likely to develop prostate cancer than colon, kidney, or stomach cancers.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In most cases, prostate cancer may not show many symptoms in the early stages. However, in advanced stages, it can show symptoms such as blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bone pain, loss of weight, painful ejaculation, and constant pain in the hips, back, or pelvis.

What are the causes of prostate cancer?
The definite cause of prostate cancer is yet unknown. But a few risk factors increase the probability of a person developing this condition. Some of these factors include:

Age
As one grows older, their chances of developing prostate cancer increase. In most cases, the risk of developing the condition increases rapidly in men aged 50 or older. Moreover, around 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men aged 65 or older.

Race/ethnicity
Although unclear, the development of prostate cancer is usually noticed more in African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry. This condition is also found to be less common in Asian American and Hispanic/Latino men compared to Caucasians.

Genes/family history
Multiple research has found that prostate cancer is hereditary. This suggests the involvement of genetic factors in the development of the condition. So, if one has a male family member with this condition, it doubles their risk of developing prostate cancer in the future. However, with the involvement of multiple family members with the condition, the risk increases significantly as well.

Chemical exposure
Some evidence suggests that men working in conditions with exposure to chemicals increases their risk of developing prostate cancer. This has been noticed widely in the case of firefighters who may be exposed to chemicals during their employment.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Most prostate cancers are usually found as a result of screening which includes tests such as

Digital rectal exam (DRE)
During this test, the doctor might insert a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to examine the prostate. In cases where abnormalities like texture, size, or shape of the gland are found, the patient may be advised for further tests.

Prostate Specefic Antigen (PSA)
In PSA, a blood sample is drawn from the veins and is sent for analysis of PSA, a substance naturally found in the prostate gland. Even though it’s normal for small amounts of PSA to be found in the bloodstream, a higher amount may indicate prostate infections, enlargement of cancer, or inflammation.
If the screening tests detect any abnormality, the patient will be recommended further tests to determine the development of prostate cancer. Some of the tests are – Ultrasound, Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI), and collection of prostate tissue samples. Furthermore, a prostate biopsy might also be suggested by the doctor.

What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
The management options for prostate cancer involve various factors such as overall health, cancer growth, and its spread. Here are some of them:

Surgery
This treatment method, also known as radical prostatectomy, involves the removal of the prostate gland along with the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. This method may work in cases where the cancer is confined to the area. Further, this method, in combination with other treatments, is also used in the advanced stages of the condition.

Radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, high-powered energy is employed to kill cancer cells. This can be done in the form of two methods – external beam radiation or brachytherapy. On the one hand, external beam radiation must be undergone five times a week for several weeks. On the other hand, brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources in the prostate tissue. This rice-sized radioactive seed delivers a low radiation dose over a long period.

Freezing or heating of prostate tissue
In cases where surgery isn’t an option, this therapy method is considered to treat small amounts of cancer. Moreover, this method can be used to treat advanced stage prevalent cancer when the other treatment methods have shown no response.

Freezing prostate tissue
This involves the usage of very cold gas to freeze the prostate tissue. Afterward, it is left to thaw. A repeated cycle of freezing and thawing helps kill cancer tissues.

Heating prostate tissue
Here, high-intensity focused ultrasound is used to heat the cancer tissues and cause them to die.

Final thoughts
Prostate cancer is a highly treatable and extremely common disease, and patients are advised to seek the advice of a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Prostate Cancer – Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Management

Cancer is a disease characterized by the multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. When cancer starts in the prostate, it is known as prostate cancer. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system. This is one of the most common types of cancer. In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly and is typically confined to the prostate. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, causes, types, and treatments of prostate cancer. Symptoms Prostate cancer can lead to a number of symptoms. These symptoms can vary based on the severity and the stage of cancer. It can also depend on if it has spread to other parts of the body leading to secondary conditions and symptoms. Unfortunately, in many cases, individuals may not see any early signs of prostate cancer, which is why it goes undetected in the starting stages. Prostate cancer typically shows signs in the advanced stages, and the common symptoms include: Issues with urinating, including burning or pain Increased frequency of urination Having trouble with emptying the bladder completely Reduced force of urination Blood in the semen Blood in the urine Pain in the bone Loss of appetite Pain during ejaculation Pain in the lower back and hips Erectile dysfunction These signs and symptoms can vary in different individuals. Therefore, it is important to get in touch with a doctor or healthcare professional immediately if you notice any signs and symptoms. Types of prostate cancer There are different types of prostate cancer. But, it is important to note that almost all types of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. This means that they develop from the gland cells, which are the cells that make the prostate fluids that are added to the semen. The types of cancers that can start in the prostate also include small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, transitional cell carcinomas, and sarcomas. The other types of prostate cancers are very rare; in most cases, it will be an adenocarcinoma. It is also important to note that some types of prostate cancers spread faster, but in most cases, it grows and spreads slowly. This is why it is important to have frequent health checks which allow you to diagnose the condition in the early stages. Causes and risk factors No research has yet been able to figure out or pinpoint the exact cause of prostate cancer. What healthcare professionals do know is that prostate cancer develops when there are changes in the DNA of the prostate cells. These changes lead the cells to grow and divide more rapidly compared to the normal cells. The abnormal cells continue to live even when the normal cells have a shorter lifespan. Experts have been able to figure out a few factors that can increase the risk of this mutation occurring. These risk factors include: Age One of the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer is age. Studies have found that individuals over the age of 50 are more prone to developing this condition. Race Research has also shown that certain races are more prone to developing prostate cancer. It is also that prostate cancer can grow more aggressively and advanced in certain races. Family history and genetic predisposition Family history and genetic predisposition are also leading risk factors for prostate cancer. If an individual has a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, they are at an increased risk of developing it as well. Genetics can also increase the chances of prostate cancer. If there is a family history of genes that increase breast cancer or there is a strong family history of breast cancer, the risk of prostate cancer is higher. Treatments How prostate cancer is treated can depend on multiple factors, such as the severity of the condition, how fast it spreads, and the effect the condition has on the overall health of the individual. Doctors may also keep in mind the benefits and the side effects of treatment options before recommending them to individuals. In low-grade prostate cancer, doctors may not opt for treatment right away. They will recommend active surveillance of cancer to monitor its progression. The surveillance will include regular blood tests, rectal examinations, and prostate biopsies. If the surveillance shows that the cancer is progressing, the doctor will suggest treatments such as surgery or radiation. Active surveillance is an option for those who do not experience any symptoms of prostate cancer. It can also be suggested to those with other serious medical conditions or those at an advanced age, as these make treating cancer difficult. Surgery Surgery that is used to treat prostate cancer works by completely removing the prostate gland along with some surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. It is a suitable mode of treatment for treating prostate cancer that is limited to the prostate gland itself. It can also be used to treat advanced stages of prostate cancer in combination with other treatments. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy to kill the cancer cells in the prostate. There are two types of radiation therapy - external beam radiation and brachytherapy. External beam therapy is where the radiation is done externally, and brachytherapy is when the radioactive sources are placed in the prostate tissue. Freezing and heating the prostate tissue Freezing and heating the prostate tissue are known as ablative therapies. They destroy the prostate tissue with cold and heat. Freezing involves using cryotherapy or cryoablation to freeze the prostate tissue. The tissue is then allowed to thaw, and the procedure is repeated. This kills the cancer cells and some of the healthy tissue in the surrounding area. Heating uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to heat the tissue, which causes it to die. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer and is the second major cause of cancer death among men in the country. However, it is possible to detect cancer early on by attending regular screening. It is advisable to start screening at age 40, depending on the risk factors.

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