The prostate gland is only found in males, and hence, prostate cancer which is the unusual growth of cells in the prostate gland affects only males. This disease can cause trouble with urination like a burning sensation, rectal pain and so on and mostly affects men above 50. But it can lead to death if left undiagnosed or treated. The hopeful news is that regular screening and some specialized tests can diagnose this cancer at an early stage.
Diagnosis
Many tests are conducted to see what condition and stage the cancer is in. These tests are:
- PSA test: PSA is a type of protein which gets released by the prostate tissue. Doctors look at the PSA value and the changes over time in relation to the size of the prostate. They can decide through this if a biopsy is needed.
- Free PSA test: This is a form of the above test which allows the doctor to look and measure a specific component known as free PSA. This free PSA test measures the difference in the ratio of free PSA to total PSA.
- DRE: Here the doctor uses Digital Rectal Examination find the abnormal areas of the prostate. This method isn’t very accurate or precise and early prostate cancer can’t be detected through this.
- Biomarker tests: A biomarker is classified as a substance which is found in the urine, blood or in the body tissues of a person suffering from cancer. The tests include a 4K score which is used to predict the chances of a person of developing high-risk prostate cancer.
- PCA3 test: In this test, the PCA3 gene is looked for in a man’s urine since it is found in greater quantity among men with prostate cancer. So a urine test is done to find out the presence of this gene in the body.
- Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): Here, a doctor inserts a probe into the person’s rectum. The probe uses sound waves to take photos of the prostate.
- Biopsy: In this method, a small margin of prostate tissue is taken from the area and sent for examination. It should be noted that only biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. Anywhere from around 12-14 samples are taken to ensure that a sufficient sample is sent for examination.
Now that the diagnosis procedures have been discussed, it’s time to learn about the treatment methods since the condition is largely curable:
Stage 1 and 2 of prostate cancer: During this stage, the growth is slow and so active surveillance is recommended. Other methods suggested are:
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Clinical trials
Your age, health, and progression of the cancer will be considered before assigning any treatment.
Stage 3 prostate cancer: In this stage, radiation therapy and surgery are less likely to work. So the following are used:
- Radical Prostatectomy
- Neoadjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT)
Active surveillance and watchful waiting: It has been observed that at times prostate cancer grows slowly and causes no problems or symptoms. Thus, many men delay treatment but consider staying in active surveillance where the cancer is monitored. It is recommended for low risk and low grade prostate cancer.
Surgery: In surgery, the tumor and other surrounding healthy tissues are removed through operation. Surgical options include:
- Radical prostatectomy
- Robotic or laparoscopic prostatectomy
- Bilateral orchiectomy
Thus, treatment and options for diagnosis should be carefully considered and implemented after consulting a doctor thoroughly. Prostate cancer is often hard to detect since it grows slowly. Hence, routine checkups are important to constantly monitor it.
