FaqsPlanet.com | Find Insightful And Informative Blogs

Home - Health & Personal Care - Prostate Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Prostate cancer – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Prostate cancer is caused in the small walnut-shaped gland in a man’s pelvis. This gland is responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The prostate gland is located next to the bladder and can be examined through a rectal exam. When it comes to prostate cancer, tumor growth can be either benign or malignant. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men.

According to a report, one among nine men in the country is diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.

Benign growths and malignant growths
Occasionally, growth in the prostate is usually benign. This means that the growth is not cancerous, and this condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A benign prostate growth:

Is not life-threatening
Does not invade surrounding tissues and organs or spread to other parts of the body
Can be removed surgically; it may grow back but that will happen slowly and in most cases, it does not develop again

Prostate cancer is said to be malignant when it grows and spreads rapidly. A cancerous prostate growth:

May be life-threatening
Can spread to nearby tissues and organs and other parts of the body
Can be removed but it may grow back

A prostate growth becomes cancerous when its cells break away from the prostate tumor and travel to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymph nodes. In the new body parts, the cells may attach to other tissues to form new tumors and cause severe damage, becoming life-threatening.

Prostate cancer cells retain their original form even in the new place. For example, when prostate cancer cells spread to the bones, they may form new tumors but the cells in these tumors are the original prostate cancer cells. This disease is known as metastatic prostate cancer and is treated as prostate cancer in bone.

What causes prostate cancer?
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown but doctors believe that it begins when some cells in the prostate gland grow abnormally. These cells experience mutations in the DNA, which results in their rapid growth and division. The abnormal cells continue growing in number and result in a tumor that may stay in the prostate gland or spread to nearby tissues and organs.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer may grow slowly in the initial stages and may show no symptoms at times. However, once the disease reaches advanced stages, it may show the following symptoms:

Trouble urinating: One of the first signs of prostate cancer is pain while urinating and frequent urination. A person may experience either of them or both the symptoms together.
Decreased urine pressure: Prostate cancer may decrease the force in the urinal stream.
Blood in semen/urine: Patients may see blood in semen or urine.
Painful ejaculation: Sexually active men may experience pain during ejaculation.
Erectile dysfunction: Some people may experience sudden erectile dysfunction.
Pain in lower back/upper thighs/hips: There may be persistent pain in the lower back, upper thighs, and hips.
Loss of appetite and weight: Prostate cancer can lead to an acute loss of appetite, which may result in weight loss.
Discomfort in the pelvic area: There may be discomfort or dull pain in the pelvic area, particularly the lower region.
Bone pain : Pain in the bones can be another prominent indication of prostate cancer.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Prostate cancer screening is the first step in the diagnosis of this medical condition. Whether to test healthy men that do not experience any signs of prostate cancer or to not examine them is debatable. Some segments of healthcare experts believe that screening healthy men for prostate cancer delivers no benefits. While another group of experts believes that men who have a family history or who are at risk because of other reasons should be screened after the age of 50 or earlier. The screening process includes:

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During DRE, a doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to examine the prostate. If the doctor detects any abnormalities in texture, size, or shape, the patient may be sent for further tests.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Test (PSA)
In this test, blood is drawn from a vein in the arm and analyzed for PSA, which is a natural substance produced by the prostate gland. It is normal for a small amount of PSA to be present in the blood but a higher level may indicate an infection, enlargement, inflammation in the prostate gland, or cancer. Both these screening methods help in detecting prostate cancer in early stages. In addition to these tests, the following tests are conducted to diagnose the problem with the prostate gland.
Ultrasound
If the screening procedures raise concerns, the next step is to conduct a transrectal ultrasound. A small probe is inserted in the rectum to take a picture of the prostate gland using sound waves. This probe is small in size and shaped like a cigar.
Sample collection
If all the initial tests point towards prostate cancer, the doctor may then collect a sample of cells from the prostate gland. This process is known as a prostate biopsy and is done using a thin needle that is inserted in the prostate gland to collect the tissue. This sample is then analyzed in the lab to determine whether the presence of cancer cells.
MRI fusion
MRI fusion is a new biopsy method that is being used across the globe in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

How to find out the severity of cancer?
Once a biopsy confirms cancer, the next step is to determine the aggressiveness of the condition. This is when the cancer is graded according to how much the cancer cells differ from the healthy cells. Higher the grade of cancer, the more aggressive it is, making it more likely to spread rapidly.

The most common grading system used to grade prostate cancer is the Gleason Score. In this method, the cancer is scored between 2-10, wherein 2 indicates non-aggressive cancer and 10 indicates aggressive cancer.

Detecting the spread of prostate cancer
The last step in prostate cancer diagnosis is to determine how far it has spread. Various scans are conducted at this stage to identify cancer in the bones and other parts. The tests conducted at this stage include:

Bone Scan
Ultrasound
Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan

What are the risk factors of prostate cancer?
The following factors increase the risk of prostate cancer in men:

Age
Older men are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men below 40 years of age. Men above the age of 55 are at the highest risk of developing prostate cancer.
Ethnicity
The ethnicity of men increases and decreases their risk of prostate cancer. It has been discovered that African-American are at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other ethnicities.
Family history
Men who have a history of prostate cancer in their family are at higher risk of developing it. These men are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Obesity
Obesity is linked to the severity of prostate cancer. This means overweight men are more likely to experience advanced stages of prostate cancer, which are quite difficult to treat. According to doctors, a diet consisting of refined sugar, calories, and animal fats and lacking in fruits and vegetables increases the probability of prostate cancer. Moreover, a lack of exercise may result in poor health as well.
Smoking
Studies have shown that the risk of prostate cancer is double in heavy smokers. Smoking is also linked to a higher risk of death because of prostate cancer. It has also been found that when a person quits smoking, his risk for prostate cancer goes down to that of a non-smoker within ten years of stopping the habit.
Geography
The cases and deaths caused by this disease are highest in North America and Northern Europe. These numbers may be because of poor diets, hereditary reasons, lack of exercise, environmental exposures, and more screening procedures.

What are the complications caused by prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer causes various complications that are subjectively treated to bring some relief to the patient. Some of these are explained below:

Metastasis cancer
Prostate cancer can spread to nearby tissues and organs such as the bladder. It may also circulate through the lymphatic system or bloodstream to other organs and bones. Prostate cancer in bones can lead to broken bones and excessive pain. At this stage, prostate cancer is likely to respond to treatment; however, it will be quite difficult to cure the disease.
Incontinence
Incontinence is a common symptom of prostate cancer and may also be caused by its treatment. The treatment for incontinence depends on its severity and the type. The treatment options include catheters, surgery, and medication in mild cases.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction may be caused due to prostate cancer as well as its treatment methods, which include radiation, surgery, and hormone treatments. This complication is generally treated with the help of medications and vacuum devices.

How to treat prostate cancer?
Some prostate cancers grow quite gradually; these may not require any treatment or may get better with minimal treatment. Others may grow and spread quickly and become life-threatening. Such cancers need treatment, which is often quite a complex procedure. Treatment of prostate cancer depends on:

Stage of the cancer
Risk category
Age and health condition
Preferences concerning side-effects and long-term effects of treatment

The main treatment options for prostate cancer include:

Surveillance
This is the stage where the doctors keep an eye on the progress of cancer. A treatment plan is created only when the tumors are growing at a rapid pace. Depending on the grade of cancer, surveillance can be active surveillance or watchful waiting.
Localized therapy
Localized therapy is the treatment plan that is executed only on the prostate gland. This includes surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and focal therapy.
Systemic therapy
Systemic therapy is conducted when the cancer is identified to be aggressive and has spread outside of the prostate gland. This step involves hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Ways to prevent prostate cancer
Several factors increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Working on all those factors can help prevent this cancer. However, certain aspects, such as family history and ethnicity cannot be changed. Hence, there are only a few things that can be done to prevent prostate cancer.

Follow a nutritious diet
A healthy diet is a great first step towards the prevention of prostate cancer. Men should reduce the consumption of high-fat foods and refined sugar. Instead, they should consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. All these items can improve overall health, which in turn, will reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other serious diseases. When it comes to vitamins and minerals, most people turn to health supplements. According to doctors, healthy foods are a better option to get your daily dose of these nutrients.
Exercise regularly
Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and improves the mood as well. Studies have proved that men who exercise have a lower risk of prostate cancer. Obesity is one of the most common risk factors of prostate cancer. A healthy diet and bodyweight weight keep the disease in check. Men who are overweight, should create a diet and exercise plan and attain a healthy weight.
Take medications if you are at high risk
Some studies have found that taking certain prescription treatments can reduce the overall risk of developing prostate cancer. They are commonly used to reduce hair loss in men and control prostate gland enlargement. Men who are at risk can talk to their doctor about the use of specific prescriptions.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.

Effective Control of Diabetes with Apple Cider Vinegar

Here’s what you should know about allergies and how to treat them

Latest Articles

The Causes And Symptoms Of Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors

The causes and symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors The neuroendocrine system can be described as a network of glands producing hormones that are carried into the bloodstream. There are different roles that these hormones play in the human body. The carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor is a very rare tumor that shows up in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Around 80% of these tumors grow in the small bowel and the appendix. However, they can even grow in the lungs, pancreas, ovaries, stomach, testicles, and kidneys. These tumors develop at varied rates, and they are usually slow at developing. They might develop over several months and even years. Nevertheless, there are some tumors that tend to be highly aggressive. They can spread very quickly to other parts of the human body and can even result in serious issues. What are the causes of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Experts are still not aware of the main causes of neuroendocrine tumors. However, there are certain conditions that might make you a victim of these tumors. These are called risk factors, and they are situations and diseases that you cannot control. Some of the most common causes of neuroendocrine tumors are as listed: Some diseases that are caused due to family history or genes passed to an individual through their family can increase their chances of having a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia disease can be the victims of carcinoid tumors. This is a disease where tumors form in the cells, making hormones or chemicals that have a major effect on the actions of the body, such as sex drive, mood, and hair growth. Your age can have an effect on your chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. There are certain NETs that have an effect on people of specific ages. The gender of an individual also has an effect on the risk for certain NETs. However, women have an increased chance of suffering from these tumors. The race of a person also has an effect on their chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. The immune system in the body is its defense against all kinds of germs. Diseases or conditions that affect the immune system, such as organ transplant and HIV/AIDS, can increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in individuals. Excessive sun exposure can also result in neuroendocrine tumors. This is because the sun gives off ultraviolet rays that damage the skin DNA. This can result in the growth of cells in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in cancer. Studies have proved that smoking can also increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in people. What are the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Neuroendocrine tumors are generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 60. People with these tumors might experience certain symptoms, or they might not have any signs or changes in their body. The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include the following: Anxiety attacks High blood pressure Headaches A fever Rapid pulse Clammy skin Sweating Vomiting Nausea Heart palpitations Weight loss Flushing Severe diarrhea Wheezing Increased heart rate Appetite loss Sudden changes in blood pressure Always keep in mind that neuroendocrine tumors are rare and therefore the above-mentioned symptoms might be the result of other medical conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? If you go through carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor prognosis, you will be able to find that these tumors are either malignant or benign. The benign tumors tend to be small and can easily be removed completely, not to come back again. There are no symptoms produced if you are suffering from benign carcinoid tumors. The cells from these tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. The malignant or cancerous carcinoid tumors are large and can damage organs and tissues close to them. The cells of these tumors can easily break and enter the lymphatic system and the bloodstream to form new tumors. How can carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors be prevented? There is no way of preventing these tumors at present. However, quitting or not starting to smoke might reduce the risk of these tumors. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and a good lifestyle in order to prevent such tumors.

An Overview Of Cla Safflower Oil

An overview of CLA safflower oil CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It is high in good fats, i.e., monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. According to the National Institutes of Health, typically, CLA is found in foods like beef and dairy. However, it can also be found in small quantities in vegetable oils. Safflower oil is a oil produced from the seeds of a safflower plant; thus, it is a vegetable oil. Safflower plant is about 30 to 150 cm in height and each branch of the plant has about one to five flower heads with 15-20 seeds per head from which the oil is extracted. The plant is found in Kazakhstan as well as India, the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. Below is some information about CLA safflower oil. What are the advantages of using CLA safflower oil? The CLA safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, namely, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. These fats, commonly known as good fats, are required by the body to function well. The CLA safflower oil helps in improving memory and aids hormone regulation. This oil allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, E, D, and A. CLA safflower oil reduces inflammation in the body and also improves general health. It is a good way to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Regular intake of CLA safflower oil improves blood cholesterol levels, thereby, reducing the chances of any kind of heart diseases. It contains vitamin E, which is great for skin issues like dry skin or even inflamed skin. However, you must perform a patch test before applying the oil all over the skin. How do you use CLA safflower oil in diet? The moderate use of safflower oil in your food will improve your metabolic rate, thereby, reducing your weight. The proportion of safflower oil intake would be dependent on weight-loss calorie requirement. For instance, a woman who needs to have 1200 calories daily would need 4 teaspoons of the CLA safflower oil. Men who are on a diet and need to consume 1600 calories would need 5 teaspoons of it. What are the side effects of CLA safflower oil? Most often people do not face any side effects from this oil if it is consumed or applied in recommended proportions. CLA safflower oil thins the blood so it could slow down clotting and could increase the chances of bleeding for those who have bleeding disorders or are undergoing some sort of surgery. People allergic to ragweed or pollen should not consume this oil as it could lead to an allergic reaction. Pregnant women should avoid it. Which are the best safflower oils of the year? As per CLA safflower oil reviews, the following brands have made the list of favorites among consumers this year: Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil – This is a USDA-certified brand and it is high in oleic acid. Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil is extracted using the cold pressed method that allows it to have a high amount of oleic acid, which is great for hair growth. Hollywood Safflower Oil – This is a great oil for cooking. It is the best when it comes to light heat cooking. The Hollywood Safflower Oil is available in a pack of one, three, or twelve, and it works well for pasta and as a drizzle over appetizers. It is good for cake mixes as well. Eden Unrefined – This brand of CLA safflower oil is organic and kosher, and it only has safflower oil. It works well for acne-prone skin and for cooking too. Dr. Adorable One Gallon – If you want to use CLA safflower oil especially for body massages, then this brand works beautifully as it blends well. You can take a generous quantity and apply it all over the body. It has no noticeable smell. However, this oil should be only used for external purposes. Spectrum Naturals High Heat – This brand produces the perfect CLA safflower oil for cooking. It has a smooth flavor that is ideal for cooking. The Spectrum Naturals High Heat does not have any artificial coloring, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other common allergens. It is much lighter than other oils, such as olive oil.

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Safflower Oil

Top 10 health benefits of safflower oil Safflower oil is an oil that is extracted from the seeds of the safflower. CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. CLA is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. The CLA safflower oil has a number of health benefits; hence, it is being used as medicine by many people. CLA safflower oil can be used for treating a number of health issues and it is also used as a cooking oil. Continue reading if you wish to know more about the amazing health benefits of safflower oil, its side effects, and more. What are the health benefits of safflower oil? It is believed that safflower oil helps in boosting the immune system. This oil has properties that can protect the body from any kind of infections and it is considered to boost immune health. The CLA safflower oil is good for your heart’s health. When you are having heart-related health issues, your doctor will usually suggest you maintain a balanced diet, and it is important to keep it natural. Safflower oil is a natural oil that has omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart. The cholesterol levels of the body are also maintained using this oil. CLA safflower oil helps in losing weight. Shedding those extra pounds is not a simple task and you need to do a lot more along with exercise. Safflower oil is very good for healthy and shiny hair. If you are having dull, damaged, and dry hair, then this oil can be very helpful. Just massage a few drops of this oil into your scalp and it would increase the blood circulation in your scalp resulting in strong hair. When you have strong hair, why not have flawless skin? Yes, there are a number of products available in the market for flawless skin, but how many of them guarantee long-lasting results? Safflower oil can do that for you. You can check the CLA safflower oil reviews for skin and you will find the best reviews about this oil. It is good for joint pains as well. Massaging is one of the best ways to get rid of joint pains and massaging with safflower oil is a good option for better results. Diabetes is a health condition that needs to be treated with the right medicine. According to many studies, the omega-6 fatty acids are considered as the best option for controlling sugar levels in the body. It is also good for treating a migraine headache. Any health problems related to respiration can be treated using this oil. Menstrual pain and cramps in women can be treated with the help of this oil. Are there any side effects of safflower oil? There are no side effects of using safflower oil when used in moderation. This oil is strong and can cause irritation, so do not use it directly. You need to dilute with any carrier oil before you actually use it. What is the dosage of safflower oil that is good for your health? The dosage of CLA safflower oil usually depends on what kind of health issue you are treating. If you are using it to help reduce weight, then you can use it as cooking oil for at least six weeks. For this, you should consume at least one and a half teaspoons of this oil on a daily basis. How should safflower oil be stored for better results? Safflower has to be stored always in a dark place in an airtight container. Safflower oil can be kept in the refrigerator. In order to reduce the chances of oxidation, you should make sure that minimal air and light reaches the containers in which the oil is stored. You need to use the oil in just one or two months after you open the packing or oil tin.