What is prostate cancer?
It is a malignant tumor of the prostate. Most cases do not produce symptoms and have a slow growth.
What causes prostate cancer?
It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, after lung and digestive cancers. Currently, there is no clear cause for prostate cancer, but there are some risk factors, including:
– Age: The older a person is, the more likely they are to develop prostate cancer.
– Heredity: Having a family history doubles the risk of developing prostate cancer.
– Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity can also influence the onset of prostate cancer.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DO THEY PRESENT?
Most prostate cancer patients are diagnosed through routine evaluation since, in the early stages, they may not present symptoms.
When in advanced stages, they may exhibit symptoms.
The most common ones include:
– Blood in the urine or semen.
– Sudden onset of erectile dysfunction.
– Urinary disturbances: Weak stream or difficulty urinating, increased frequency of urination.
– Fatigue and tiredness.
– Pain in the bones or muscles.
All mentioned symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions, so it’s important to consult a trusted urologist for an accurate diagnosis.
How is prostate cancer treated??
There are several treatment options for prostate cancer:
– Active surveillance.
– Radical surgery with robotic or laparoscopic techniques.
– Radiation therapy.
– Chemotherapy.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
Early detection of cancer involves looking for the presence of malignant cells in the tissue before they produce symptoms.
Commonly used tests include: