MAIN Health Diseases Cancer Prostate Cancer

About the size of a walnut, the prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system that mixes fluid with sperm during ejaculation.

As men age, cancer cells may begin to form in the prostate. Men over 65, or with a family history (a brother or father who developed prostate cancer) and African American men are most prone to prostate cancer.

Symptoms of the disease are commonly reported as difficulty starting urination, or less pressure of the stream while urinating. Other signs might include blood or pus in the urine, pain or a burning sensation while urinating or ejaculating, or chronic lower back pain.

While prostate cancer can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body, the disease is usually found to be slow-growing in most men who may never experience any symptoms.

For patients at risk, simple screening for the disease may include a DCR (digital rectal exam) or a prostate-specific antigen test to check if there are high levels of PSA in the blood.

If the disease is determined to be aggressive and fast growing, treatment options may include traditional surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy - or more advanced therapies such as ultrasound, which destroys cancer cells with heat, or cryoablation (freezing cells).

Another option, known as "watchful waiting", is geared specifically for older men who are diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer. Since there is no immediate threat, treatment is postponed, but the condition is watched regularly over time to ensure that the disease does not develop into the faster growing type.

Elsewhere on the Web, learn more about the disease at expert sites offering additional facts & information on common symptoms, testing & screening, traditional treatment and advanced therapies, related research studies and clinical trials, as well as alternative and complementary therapies and helpful online support for prostate cancer patients ....

Prostate Cancer Foundation - One-stop browsing for the latest news on research studies and risk factors, symptom & treatment guides along with information on side effects, with a downloadable brochure with information on foods and diets that have been shown to be beneficial for patients with prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Home Page - National Cancer Institute - Extensive guide to the topic with information on risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy, research news, statistics, and how & where to find a related clinical trial.

Prostate Cancer Research Institute - Patient advocacy group with facts on prostate cancer basics, symptoms, treatment & side effects, tips and advice on nutrition & self care, related glossary and an 800 hotline number to call for more information.

Prostate cancer - Mayo Clinic.com - Clear, concise information on causes and risk factors, symptoms, treatments, prevention and alternative or complementary therapies.

PSA - The Test - The common diagnostic test for prostate cancer with information on how and when it is performed, what the results may mean, plus a link to more on digital rectal exams (DRE).

Cryoablation for Prostate Cancer - Fact sheet on the procedure that entails freezing prostate cancer cells with a description of how it is performed, related risks and benefits, FAQ, glossary.

Ultrasound of the Prostate - Detailed FAQ explaining the procedure, its common uses, what to expect and how it is performed, with more on benefits & risks.

Also see -> Erectile Dysfunction | Men's Health

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.