Understanding The Pathophysiology of Prostate Cancer

Few scientific studies have taken on the task of trying to understand the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. Pathophysiology is defined as the changes in function brought about by disease. This can begin on a cellular level and end at a level that the patient will recognize.

There is a precursor to prostate cancer called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or PIN. When a patient has PIN, cells multiply rapidly in the ducts and glands of the male prostate area. After this pathophysiology of prostate cancer goes on for awhile, cancer can develop.

Heredity is another factor in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer at the cellular level. There has been some indication that there is a hereditary component to having a greater risk for prostate cancer. No single gene can be blamed, but an overall hereditary pattern can emerge in some patients. Those with hereditary prostate cancer are usually diagnosed earlier than others with the disease.

Functions are also affected on a larger scale. When a tumor grows in the area of the urethra, the bladder neck, or other areas, there may be obstruction of the urinary system. This pathophysiology of prostate cancer may cause changes in a patient’s urinary functions.

The pathophysiology of prostate cancer can cause loss of proper function in the nervous system as well, if the spinal cord is affected. Not only can patients lose their ability to control their bowel and bladder functions, but they can also lose the ability to walk.

Some patients have prostate cancer which metastasizes to other parts of the body. The pathophysiology of prostate cancer can have devastating effects on function in all parts of the body.

The pathophysiology of prostate cancer, then, is the functional disorder caused by the disease. It can go unnoticed by the patient for a long time. However, eventually the patient will experience so many functional problems that he will realize that something is wrong.