There are different types of cancers and both men and women are not spared from it. Some types of cancers are silent killers. In other words, you won't even know it exists until you get to the terminal stage. If breast cancer is to women then prostate cancer is to men. But what is the prostate or prostate gland?

This is the gland found at the bottom part of the urethra. One function of the prostate gland is the control of urination and this takes place when the gland presses against the urethra. This gland also produces some of the substances found on semen. Despite its function, a male can do just fine even without the prostate gland.

Prostate cancer is the type of cancer that affects this particular gland. It is a tumor comprised mainly of cells found in the prostate. As previously mentioned, some cancers are silent killers and this is one of them. The tumor grows slowly for years without any symptoms and during that time no other areas are affected. As the cancer progresses, it begins to manifest various signs and symptoms as well as increases the possibility of the cancer cells to metastasize and affect other areas.

This article aims to provide a brief discussion about prostate cancer and at the same time promote a better understanding of the condition.

1. Causes

The real cause of prostate cancer is relatively unknown until today but studies suggest that there are certain risk factors known to have increased the risk of prostate cancer in males. Some of these factors are:

a. Genetics

There are some races that are more prone to cancers as compared to others. Other than that, a male who has a family member that died of cancer is also at risk. Studies have showed that cancer tends to run in the family.

b. Hormones

Some research studies have showed that an increase in the level of the male hormone testosterone may also increase the risk for prostate cancer since this hormone is known for stimulating the normal growth of cells in the prostate.

c. Lifestyle

Some lifestyle practices such as drinking, smoking and eating an unhealthy diet are also known to increase the risk for this type of cancer.

2. Symptoms

In the earlier stages of prostate cancer, symptoms are not often manifested. The only time these symptoms appear is when the cancer has already spread. Some of these symptoms are:

a. Difficulty in urinating

b. hematuria – blood is found along with the urine

c. blood in semen

d. dysuria or experiencing a burning sensation when you urinate

e. enlarged bladder – this takes place when the prostate has enlarged and has finally constricted the urethra at the same time blocking the flow of urine.

f. discomfort on the pelvis and swelling of the legs - this happens when the cancer cells have gained entrance to the lymph nodes located in the pelvis.

3. Diagnostic Tests

These diagnostic tests vary from physical examinations to blood works. Some of these tests can give definitive results while some require some back up laboratory works.

a. Digital Rectal Exam

In this exam the physician inserts two fingers into the rectum. If he feels any lump or nodule or hardness upon palpation he will then require you to undergo some more laboratory exams.

b. Prostate-Specific Antigen Test

This is a form of blood work where a sample of your blood is taken to be analyzed for PSA. Normally the blood only contains a small amount of PSA. In cases where the PSA levels are high, it may then be an indication of a prostate abnormality.

c. Transrectal Ultrasound

This can provide a visual interpretation of how your prostate looks like.

d. Prostate Biopsy

In this test a tissue from the prostate gland is gathered and then evaluated for any abnormal cell growth. Tissue sample from the prostate is gathered by inserting a small probe through the rectum.

4. Treatments

There are different types of treatment modalities for prostate cancer. It can be hormonal where various drugs are being used to keep the body from producing the male hormone known as testosterone or it can also be surgical known as prostatectomy. In this type of treatment modality, the prostate is completely removed. Lastly, there is radiation therapy in which radioactive beams are produced targeting the cancer cells and eventually killing them.

Prostate cancer is life-threatening so in case you noticed any of the symptoms mentioned or experienced any abnormalities it would be best if you go and see your doctor immediately.