What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. The main job of the prostate is to make fluid for semen. During ejaculation, sperm made in the testicles moves to the urethra. At the same time, fluid from the prostate and the seminal vesicles also moves into the urethra.
Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States. Prostate cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation in which they not only grow and multiply without normal controls, but also change in their microscopic appearance and can invade adjacent tissues.
Prostate cancer cells can spread by breaking away from a prostate tumor. They can travel through blood vessels or lymph vessels to reach other parts of the body. After spreading, cancer cells may attach to other tissues and grow to form new tumors that may damage those tissues.
Signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Most men with this type of cancer have no symptoms. This is particularly true of early prostate cancer.
- Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night.
- Blood in the urine
- Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer spread to bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord.
Traditional treatment options for Prostate Cancer
There are various treatment options for Prostate Cancer depending on the stage of cancer but may include surgery and radiation.