Prostate Cancer: Detection and Treatment

‘It is better to get prostate cancer than any other cancer because it grows slowly', or ‘many people die with prostate cancer than from it' are some of the oft-repeated statements which people say to soothe and console persons suffering from prostate cancer. These corms of consolation are quite useless actually, as like all types of cancer, prostate cancer can also be fatal; in fact, it is one of the worst and most common types of ailment affecting men.

Of course, it is needless to mention that when cancer is detected in any part of the body, it is very difficult to keep one's composure. So the best thing for you to do is to detect its presence as early as possible. The Prostate-specific antigen test is one of the tests which is highly recommended for all men over 50. This test should be done at least once a year. Since there are a number of factors which affect the result of this test, you can never be too sure whether you have developed prostate cancer after looking at the results. But a rise in the PSA level can be a definite indication that you need to do further tests to confirm the state of the prostate.

The outcome of further tests could reveal that you are suffering from an ailment called Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate or BPH, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia which is the name given to enlarged prostate. All these conditions can be treated with the right medications.

While the ‘normal' value of the PSA level is 4, according to the doctors, any rise in this level calls for other tests to be done.

One of the common tests to be done to detect whether you have prostate cancer is called the Trans Rectal Ultrasound, which involves inserting a special camera into the rectum. A computer is attached to the camera which helps the doctor to visually examine the prostate. This also has an opening where a spring loaded rod is inserted which helps the doctor to take out a tissue directly from the prostate for doing the biopsies. This tissue is subsequently tested in the lab to check if there is presence of cancer cells.

Though it might seem a bit embarrassing, it is not as painful as you might think. You can get results from this test within 10 days which in turn can be a true lifesaver. There are only two types of news which you can expect – good that you do not have cancer or bad news is that you have cancer which is gradually spreading into the blood stream.

With regard to treatment, both the radiologist and the urologist can get involved from here onwards. The radiologist usually would suggest various methods of treatment of cancer using the radiology methods. Though there are several radiological treatment options available, the intensity of the treatment would largely depend on the stage your cancer is in. some require surgical intervention, some do not. Since most of such cancers require surgery, it is better you consult your doctor about the various treatment options. The urologist on the other hand will inform you about the precise situation of your cancer and tell you about the different procedures required to remove the prostate.

Prostate cancer can be easily treated provided the symptoms are diagnosed early. So you have to go for regular examinations and also inform your doctor if you notice any symptom which you think has to do with your prostate.