Prostate Cancer: Comprehensive Overview
Overview
Prostate cancer arises from abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. They may be indolent (slow-growing, localized) or aggressive (spreading quickly to bones and lymph nodes).
Prostate cancer arises from abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. They may be indolent (slow-growing, localized) or aggressive (spreading quickly to bones and lymph nodes).
Causes & Risk Factors
Known Causes
Prostate cancer develops due to genetic mutations and hormonal influences. Common causes include: - Mutations in tumor suppressor genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, PTEN) - Androgen-driven cell proliferation - Chronic inflammation or infection - Family history and inherited gene syndromes
Risk Factors
Symptoms & Early Signs
Early Warning Signs
Often asymptomatic in early stages. When present: - Difficulty urinating (weak stream, hesitancy, incomplete emptying) - Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia) - Blood in urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia) - Erectile dysfunction - Pelvic discomfort
Common Symptoms
Diagnosis
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) - Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test - Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy - Multiparametric MRI (for localization and staging) - Bone scan, CT, PET scan (for metastatic disease) - Molecular testing: BRCA1/2, MSI, PTEN, DNA repair gene alterations
Staging Information
TNM staging system: - Stage I: Cancer confined to prostate, not palpable, PSA low - Stage II: Localized to prostate, larger or palpable tumor - Stage III: Tumor extends beyond prostate capsule or into seminal vesicles - Stage IV: Spread to regional lymph nodes or distant metastasis (commonly bone)
Treatment Information
Treatment Overview
- Active surveillance: For localized, low-risk disease - Surgery: Radical prostatectomy (open, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted) - Radiotherapy: External beam radiation, brachytherapy - Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): LHRH agonists/antagonists, orchiectomy - Chemotherapy: Docetaxel, cabazitaxel in advanced disease - Targeted therapy: PARP inhibitors (olaparib, rucaparib) in BRCA/HRR-mutated disease - Immunotherapy: Sipuleucel-T, checkpoint inhibitors (in MSI-high tumors) - Palliative care for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
5-Year Survival Rate
N/A
Available Treatments
0
Treatment Options
Prognosis & Outlook
- Prognosis depends on stage, Gleason score/Grade Group, and PSA level - Localized disease has excellent prognosis (>95% 5-year survival) - Advanced metastatic disease has median survival 3–5 years with modern therapies - Newer agents (enzalutamide, abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide) improve survival in advanced cases
Prevention & Early Detection
- Maintain healthy diet (low fat, high in fruits/vegetables) - Exercise regularly and maintain healthy weight - Avoid smoking and limit alcohol - Screening: Discuss PSA testing with physician (typically ages 50–70; earlier for high-risk men) - Genetic counseling/testing for men with strong family history
Support & Resources
- Healthcare team: Urologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses - Patient support groups: Prostate Cancer Foundation, Us TOO International, ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer - Online communities: CancerCare, Inspire Prostate Cancer Support - Counseling for psychological and sexual health issues - Physiotherapy and rehabilitation for post-surgery side effects (incontinence, erectile dysfunction)
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