Prostate cancer is an illness that means a malignant tumor consisting of cells from the prostate gland. The tumor can stay inactive for years and show no symptoms of its existence. But with the passing time and development of the disease it can spread further and affect the surrounding tissues or even have metastases throughout other bodily parts like bones, liver and lungs. On this stage the disease is often indicated and diagnosed.
The condition can be connected to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) but its real reasons stay unknown. Genetic factor can trigger the illness as well as aging, hormonal disbalance or any environmental factor. It is evident that the older the person is the more the risk of the illness is. It is generally starts in the men over 40 therefore men of this age group are recommended to undergo the check-ups every year as a preventive measure.
In the U.S. prostate cancer is the second leading disease after lung cancer that causes death. It may be above mentioned genetic factor that features here. But the facts are that the Americans are more prone to have prostate cancer than the Europeans or the Japanese. Perhaps the genetic predisposition is connected with environment and lifestyle habits. The risk of having prostate cancer can also be genetically conditioned from the point of family. Those people whose fathers and grandfathers suffered from the condition are much more liable to have it as well. However, notwithstanding any researches and investigations no specific prostate cancer gene has been found.
Another possible reason can be testosterone that causes the growth of both normal prostate tissue and prostate cancer cells. Why the assumption is considered close to the truth? It’s because with the reduction of testosterone levels the process of prostate cancer development slows down.
Some environmental aspects should also be taken into consideration. They are smoking and love to fatty foods. These are not strictly claimed as reasons for the condition but as well can be the ones.
An abnormal PSA blood test can show the presence of prostate cancer as well as a hard nodule found during a routine digital rectal examination. Generally if such a suspicion exists a biopsy of the prostate gland is carried out. If the presence of cancer cells is confirmed the diagnosis is stated.
It is individual in any person whether the case is severe or it is not recognizable at all. The treatment is selected and carried out in accordance with the severity of condition, size, contraindications, age and general health of a patient. There are different means of treatment; among them are surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal treatment, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, and watchful waiting.