Prostate Cancer

prostate cancer, prostate cancer treatment, male cancer, oncologist
prostate cancer, prostate cancer treatment, male cancer, oncologist

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate, a small gland located just below the bladder in men. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and plays a role in producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. Fortunately, it is often detected early and grows slowly, making it highly treatable in most cases.

Types of Prostate Cancer

Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which form in the glandular tissue of the prostate. However, there are also rare forms of prostate cancer, including:

  • Small cell carcinoma (similar to lung cancer)
  • Neuroendocrine tumors (like those in the pancreas)
  • Transitional cell carcinomas (associated with kidney cancer)
  • Sarcomas (such as those originating in bone)
Prostate cancer is also classified based on how fast it grows:
  • Nonaggressive (slow-growing): The tumor grows slowly and may not spread for many years.
  • Aggressive (fast-growing): The cancer spreads quickly, potentially reaching other areas of the body such as bones, resulting in metastatic prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:
  • Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 50. Around 60% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65.
  • Race and ethnicity: Black men and those of African ancestry are at higher risk, particularly for aggressive and early-onset forms.
  • Family history: Having a close relative with prostate cancer raises your risk by 2 to 3 times.
  • Genetic factors: Inherited mutations, such as those found in BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome, increase risk.
Other possible risk factors include
  • Smoking
  • Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
  • Obesity (BMI > 30)
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Early-stage symptoms:

  • Blood in the urine (appears pink, red, or cola-colored)
  • Blood in semen
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Waking frequently at night to urinate

Advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer symptoms:

  • Involuntary leakage of urine
  • Back or bone pain
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Weakness in the arms or legs

Early detection improves outcomes, so it's important to report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider.

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Prevention

While some risk factors like age or genetics can’t be controlled, others can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices.

  • Quit Smoking: Avoiding tobacco use may help reduce prostate cancer risk and improve overall health.
  • Diet: Certain foods may lower the risk of prostate cancer, especially when limiting dairy and calcium intake. Consider incorporating:
  • Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale
  • Fish (rich in healthy fats)
  • Soy-based foods
  • Omega-3-rich oils, such as olive oil
  • Do exercise (Aim at least for 30 minutes)
Common Queries

Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer Treatment in Indore

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, which sits below the bladder in men. Most cases grow slowly, but some are aggressive and need prompt treatment.

Weak urine stream, frequent urination especially at night, blood in urine or semen, and bone pain in advanced disease. Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms.

A raised PSA can be caused by prostate cancer but also by infection or benign enlargement. A specialist will interpret it along with examination, MRI and biopsy.

See a specialist if your PSA is high or rising, you have urinary symptoms with blood, or a prostate biopsy shows cancer. Men over 50, or earlier with family history, should discuss screening.

Diagnosis uses PSA testing, digital rectal examination, prostate MRI and biopsy. A PSMA PET scan or bone scan may be used to check spread.

It rates how abnormal the cancer cells look under the microscope. Higher grades mean faster-growing cancer and influence the choice of treatment.

Options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation, hormone (androgen deprivation) therapy, chemotherapy and newer targeted hormone drugs. The plan depends on risk group and overall health.

For low-risk prostate cancer, regular PSA tests, MRI and biopsies may be used instead of immediate treatment, avoiding side effects until the cancer shows signs of progression.

Prostate cancer cells depend on male hormones to grow. Hormone therapy lowers testosterone or blocks its action, which slows or shrinks the cancer.

Hot flashes, reduced libido, fatigue, weight gain, bone thinning and mood changes can occur. Exercise, calcium and vitamin D, and monitoring help manage them.

Chemotherapy such as docetaxel is used in metastatic or hormone-resistant prostate cancer, often along with hormone therapy to improve disease control.

Yes, bone is the most common site of spread. Bone-strengthening medicines, targeted therapy and pain management help protect bone health and quality of life.

Localised prostate cancer is often curable with surgery or radiation. Advanced disease may not be curable, but can often be controlled for years.

Book an appointment via phone or the online form, and bring PSA reports, MRI and biopsy reports for a personalised plan.