|
Rates of detection of prostate cancers vary widely across the world,
with South and East Asia detecting less frequently than in Europe, and
especially the United States.
Prostate cancer tends to develop in men over the age of fifty and
although it is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in men, many
never have symptoms, undergo no therapy, and eventually die of other
causes.
This is because cancer of the prostate is, in most cases,
slow-growing, symptom free and men with the condition often die of
causes unrelated to the prostate cancer, such as heart/circulatory
disease, pneumonia, other unconnected cancers, or old age. Many
factors, including genetics and diet, have been implicated in the
development of prostate cancer. The presence of prostate cancer may be
indicated by symptoms, physical examination, prostate specific antigen (PSA), or biopsy.
There is controversy about the accuracy of the PSA test and the value
of screening. Suspected prostate cancer is typically confirmed by
taking a biopsy of the prostate and examining it under a microscope. Further tests, such as CT scans and bone scans, may be performed to determine whether prostate cancer has spread.
Treatment options for prostate cancer with intent to cure are primarily surgery and radiation therapy. Other treatments such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, proton therapy, cryosurgery, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) also exist depending on the clinical scenario and desired outcome.
The age and underlying health of the man, the extent of metastasis,
appearance under the microscope, and response of the cancer to initial
treatment are important in determining the outcome
of the disease. The decision whether or not to treat localized prostate
cancer (a tumor that is contained within the prostate) with curative
intent is a patient trade-off between the expected beneficial and
harmful effects in terms of patient survival and quality of life.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
