The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system.Prostate
cancer develops when cells of the prostate mutate and
multiply out of control.
Prostate cancer is first detected through symptoms
such as pain, difficulty in urinating, and erectile
dysfunction.
Cancer cells maymetastasize from the prostate to other
parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate
cancer develops most frequently in men over fifty, and
is least common among Asian men and most common among
black men.
Prostate cancer is only second to lung cancer in the
male deaths from cancer.
Genetics and diet, are thought to be the most prevalent
amongst the many factors leading to the development
of prostate cancer.
Video - Prostate Cancer Overview
Diagnosis
Many men who develop prostate cancer never have symptoms,
undergo no therapy, and eventually die of other causes.
Prostate cancer is most often discovered by physical
examination or by screening blood tests, such as the
PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.
NOTE: PSA tests can vary significantly day to day and
can skyrocket with other illnesses such as flu.
Suspected prostate cancer is typically confirmed by
removing a piece of the prostate (biopsy) and examining
it under a microscope. Further tests, such as X-rays
and bone scans, may be performed to determine whether
prostate cancer has spread.
Treatment
In most cases, normal chemotherapy is not effective
in prostate cancer treatment. The mainf treatments include:
Surgery
Hormone Therapy
Radiation therapy
Proton Therapy
In most cases, treatment includes a combination of
the above.
Response of the cancer to initial treatment are important
in determining the outcome of the disease.
Source:
Wikipedia 