Gleason Signed

Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Treatment Options

Prostate cancer symptoms might not be noticed before prostate cancer is detected from a routine PSA blood test, which is a test performed to screen men for this form of cancer. But, some men will experience changes in urination or the onset of pain, which could indicate cancer. This short report will share how to identify symptoms that need a medical physician's attention and help you form an online symptom diagnosis.

The prostate gland is part of a man's reproductive system. It is a small structure approximately the size and shape of a walnut that envelops the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine as it exits the body.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Causes

Prostate cancer may not be noticed in its earlier stages. In far more advanced circumstances, the following signs may be viewed:

• Difficulty with urination in which the urinary stream is slow or delayed

• Reduced power in the urine stream

• Dribbling once urination finishes

• Leakage of urine

• Straining urination with a sensation that the bladder was not able to emptyentirely

• Blood seen in the urine or semen

• Discomfort or pain in the pelvic region

• Bone pain

Quite a few of these indications mimic a more common problem in most men as they age, which is an enlarged prostate. This ailment is termed Prostate Hypertrophy or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and is usually a benign condition.

The cause of prostate cancer is not fully recognized but risk factors have been identified. Men who are at larger risk include:

• African-American men

• All men above the age of 60

• Men with a family members history of cancer of the prostate

Various other risk factors may involve:

• Obesity

• Men who eat a high fat diet, especially animal fats

• Exposure to agent orange or cadmium

• Farming

• Tire Plant employees

• Painters

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

In some instances, the aforementioned signs will be observe but most situations of prostate cancer are detected from a routine screening examination. These tests may include a Digital Rectal Exam or a blood test named a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. If abnormalities are found with the screening assessments, your doctor may suggest further exams to verify the diagnosis such as an Ultrasound or a biopsy of the prostate.

A biopsy is the only test which can positively confirm the existence of cancer cells and if cancer cells are present your results can be documented using a thing referred to as a Gleason score. The Gleason score is a way of evaluating how aggressive your cancer is with 2 being nonaggressive cancer and 10 being really aggressive cancer.

Your doctor may order extra assessments to determine if the cancer has spread like a CT Scan, Bone Scan or MRI.

Treatment of prostate cancer will vary from person to person and can be determined based on a number of aspects like how quick your cancer is progressing, if it has spread, your age, your overall health and probable side effects of the therapies.

Some men may not have to have immediate therapy in particular if these men are diagnosed really early or if the man is of advanced age. In these instances the medical professional may take a "watchful waiting" method in which routine follow-up blood checks, rectal exams and quite possibly other checks (i.e. biopsies) are carried out to monitor the expansion of the cancer.

In other cases in which the cancer is detected in an early stage, your doctor may look at surgery and radiation therapy. Various other types of treatment may be considered in particular if the cancer has spread. These various other remedies may incorporate hormone therapy, cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment and chemotherapy.

About the Author

Take an active role in your health by learning even more about Prostate Cancer

You can read more about this condition and use a free tool that walks you through your symptoms and leads you to an online diagnosis. Prepare yourself before your doctor's visit and figure out what your symptoms means using this Medical Symptom Diagnosis Tool.

Alex Ovechkin 1-27 Goals [2009/2010]