Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing sperms and for controlling the flow of urine in males. It is a walnut shaped organ found near the urethra. Sadly, there is no particular reason for the occurrence of prostate cancer. Also, the patient does not complain of any observed symptoms in its early stages. Generally, this gland gets enlarged and causes pressure on the urethra, thus making it difficult for the patient to urinate. Sometimes, the patients complain of painful urination, frequent urination, semen or blood in urine or difficulties in ejaculation or erection.

Prostate cancer can be detected through a digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, biopsy, transrectal biopsy, transperineal biopsy or a prostrate-specific antigen test. Once the prostate cancer is detected, radionuclide bone scan, seminal vesicle biopsy, bone scan, MRI, Pelvic lymphadenectomy and CT scan are performed to confirm the occurrence of prostate cancer to check the extent to which the cancerous cells have spread in the patient’s body. The options of treatment for prostate cancer include watchful watching, surgery, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Although using  chemotherapy drugs for prostate cancer  is not a favorable option, the oncologists may prescribe them to patients to control the growth of cancerous cells.

Watchful Waiting for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Watchful waiting is done when the prostate cancer is in its early stages, as it cannot be detected that easily. This method involves monitoring the condition of the patient very closely, without giving any treatment, until the symptoms change or any further symptoms are observed.

Surgery for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Surgery is generally done in the early stage of the prostate cancer. But, this can also be done when the prostate gland does not respond to other options of treatment for cancer. It could also be used in the treatment for advanced prostate cancer. In the generally followed method of surgery, prostatectomy, the prostate gland is removed completely, either through an incision made through the abdomen (radical retropubic prostatectomy) or through an incision made through the perineum (radical perineal prostatectomy). During this method, pelvic lymphadenectomy might also be performed, where the nearby lymph nodes surrounding the pelvis, are removed. Pelvic lymphadenectomy is also performed in cases the prostate is not removed, as only the lymph nodes are affected. Sometimes, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy or RALP is also a preferred option for the treatment of prostate cancer, as this method does not involve any large incisions to remove the affected prostate gland. In another method, a small portion of the gland, which blocks the urethra, is removed to relieve the patients from the symptoms. This type of surgery is called transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP. It is performed by inserting a resectoscope, a small surgical instrument with a cutting tool, through the urethra. Another method involves the removal of testicles to reduce the amount of testosterone in the male body, if the cancer is found to be controlled by testosterone. As the amount of testosterone is reduced, the growth of cancer cells is affected and they eventually die. In some cases, cryosurgery is performed where the prostate gland is frozen at about -186°C by inserting metal rods through the perineum. The aim of this method is to kill the cancerous cells causing prostate cancer. As the water in the cells that surround the rod get frozen, the cells are unable to function and multiply themselves, thus resulting in death.

Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer is given in two different ways. One is externally and the other is internally. Both methods involve the use of high energy rays to kill cancerous cells. In external method, the radiation is passed externally, through a machine that emits these rays. While in case of internal radiation therapy, small radioactive substances, in the form of needles, wires, seeds or catheters are placed inside or near the prostate gland. These radioactive substances destroy the DNA in the cancerous cells, thus killing them.

Hormone Treatment for Prostate Cancer

If testosterone, the male hormone is responsible for the growth of the cancerous cells in the prostate gland, then hormone therapy for treatment of prostate cancer is prescribed to the patient. In this method, either the production of testosterone is reduced or the body’s ability to use testosterone is reduced through different drugs which control its production in the patient’s body. By stopping the functioning of the body to use testosterone or blocking its production, the growth of cancerous cells is reduced and they are unable to function, hence they shrink and eventually die. In some cases, Antiandrogens that block the functioning of androgens (male hormones responsible for promoting male sex characteristics) and drugs that can stop the adrenal glands from producing and rogens can also be prescribed to the patients. Hormonal treatment for prostate cancer is mostly suggested along with radiation therapy or surgery. Hormone therapy is mostly used in the treatment for metastatic prostate cancer.

Enlargement of the prostate glands is a commonly observed condition in men who reach their mid forties. Hence it is recommended that they follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.