What Is Prostate Cancer
When people think of a man’s sexual functioning, they may not consider the inside organs that are responsible for the process… at least not like they would a woman, (whose sexual functioning is solely internal). But in reality the inside organs are just as important as the external. An example of one that is essential to male reproductive functioning is the prostate. What is the prostate? It is a small organ that releases seminal fluid. This is the fluid that helps transport sperm, (which are developed in the testicles). The fluid can be seen in regular ejaculation or pre-ejaculate, (a clear fluid that occurs during arousal but before official ejaculation). When the prostate is healthy, it causes no harm to the man. In fact without it the man could not effectively spread his seed. However, when the prostate is unhealthy, it could cause many problems that may even cost a man his life. An example can be seen through prostate cancer.
What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a condition when tumors grow on the prostate gland. What is a prostate cancer tumor? Basically, it is an unhealthy cell that attacks normal areas on the prostate. As with most other cancers, doctors do not know for sure what causes the body to allow for such growth. Yet, when it does happen, it can cause a host of problems for the man. This is especially the case if the tumors spread to other areas of the body. When this happens, the prostate cancer is known to have metastasized, a condition that puts a person at greater risk of dying from the condition.
Unfortunately, prostate cancer does not usually have symptoms when it is in its early stages. This is a severe disadvantage, since many people tend to not go to the doctor until they know ‘officially’ that something is wrong. When prostate cancer does produce symptoms, it’s usually when the disease has progressed to a more dangerous stage. These symptoms include problems with urination and difficulties getting an erection.
There are a variety of treatment options for prostate cancer. The most common are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With chemotherapy, a man is given chemicals to kill the prostate cancer cells. On the other hand, radiation therapy uses radiation to destroy the cancer. The radiation can be distributed through pills, (which are inserted into the prostate) or through a machine. Other treatment options include freezing the prostate, removing the tumors through surgery or restricting the amount of testosterone a man produces. In regards to testosterone restriction, doctors may prescribe drugs or worse, use surgery to remove the testicles.
What is the general prognosis for individuals who do have prostate cancer? Ultimately, it depends on when they discover they have it. Prostate cancer sufferers in T1 or T2 stages have a better chance of survival than those who are in the latter stages. But since these stages do not have symptoms, a man will need to get regular prostate cancer screenings as well as prostate exams to determine whether or not he has the disease.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The kind of treatment a prostate cancer sufferer will face will depend very much upon how the tumors inside your body are developing. Some men don’t get a treatment at all. Most men who have prostate cancer go through a number of stages, watchful waiting, chemotherapy and radiotherapy each of these can be long and painful.
Do I Have Prostate Cancer?
You may think that your prostate is healthy however you could still have prostate cancer. Signs of prostate cancer may not be seen for months after you first develop the cancer. Signs of prostate cancer include problems with erections and ejaculations. If you think for one moment that you may have prostate cancer you should see a doctor immediately!