PROSTATE CANCER

Oscar Chiemeka Ezema

FACTS

The most common type of cancer in men after lung

cancer

Can grow slowly and not be detected for years

Most men with advanced stages respond to

treatment well

Studies have shown that men who masturbate have

a lower risk of getting prostate cancer

PROSTATE

Located behind the base of the penis

Surrounds the urethra and its main function is

seminal fluid production (hence the glands)

Seminal fluid aids in transportation, protection and

nutrition of sperm

MICROSCOPY

normal cancer

RISK FACTORS

Age

Race

Family history

Diet

Hormones

TESTS FOR EARLY DETECTION

ELISA test for PSA test (prostrate specific antigen)

DRE (digital rectal examination)

TRUS (trans rectal ultrasound)

Biopsy

DRE

TRUS

SYMPTOMS

Frequent urination

Pain or burning sensation during urination

Frequent urge to urinate at night

Pain in the back, weight loss, fatigue (due to

metastasis of the cancer)

Most people don’t get checked as they think it

could be a venereal disease

TREATMENT

Depends on stage

More than one method can be used simultaneously

METHODS OF TREATMENT

Surgery – removal of cancer cells and surrounding lymph nodes (to

avoid metastasis, may cause urinary incontinence and sexual side effects; )

Radiation therapy – use of high energy x-ray’s to destroy cancer cells.

Can be done by ether – external beam (outside the body), IMRT (intensity

modulated radiation therapy – small beams aimed at the cancer from

different angles) or Brachytherapy (insertion or radioactive pellets into the

prostate)

Hormone therapy - reduction of testosterone to reduce cancer growth

Chemotherapy – last resort and non specific. Use of Paclitaxek,

Estracyte and Cyclophosphamide

SIDE EFFECTS OF TREATMENT

Fatigue

Redness, dryness of prostate

Rash around prostrate

Sexual side effects (inability to “perform”)

Pain

Urination problems