Prostate Cancer

Overview

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumour in men over the age of 80 years. The posterior zone of the prostate is where usually where the transformation of malignancy occurs, so prostatectomy for benign enlargement of gland has no protection from subsequent carcinoma. Early detection, when it's still confined to the prostate gland has a better percentage of successful treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Trouble urinating, Decreased force in the stream of urine, Blood in semen, Discomfort in the pelvic area, Bone pain, Erectile dysfunction

Common Causes

Gene mutation in prostatic cells

Risk Factors

Age: the risk increases with the advancing age, Ethnicity: Increased risk in Africans, Family history:famiy member who has history of prostate cancer and also, family history of genes that increase the risk of breast cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a very strong family history of breast cancer

Investigation Techniques

Digital per rectal examination and prostate specific agent: used in screening, Needle biopsy, Ultrasound, Serum creatinine and acid phosphatase, Liver function test, Urinanalysis, Magnetic Resonance Image(MRI), Bone scan(for metastasis)

Treatment and Prevention

Incidental finding: <70 years radical surgical, >70 years conservative management, Localised: <70 years radical prostatectomy or radical radiotherapy, in patients with bladder outflow obstruction transurethral resection with or without hormone therapy is indicated, Locally advanced: early androgen ablation, for younger patient conservative approach with ablation is advised, Metastatic: androgen ablation for symptomatic relief, systemic chemotherapy with docetaxel should be considered in younger patients.