Prostate cancer is among the widespread cancers experienced by men. The symptoms of this type of cancer are rarely noticeable. There may be a need for distinct treatments, but that depends on the stage of prostate cancer. Early stage prostate cancer may need treatments like active surveillance or localized therapies. But, advanced-stage cancer may need more intensive treatments like radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
The severity of the cancer, the patient’s general health and preferences, and the possibility of adverse treatment effects all play a part in the treatment decision. Also, it is wise to have follow-up care and regular checkups. This is an excellent way to deal with any potential complications and assess the treatment’s effectiveness.
Understanding the early stage of prostate canceris essential before choosing the appropriate treatment and care. In this write-up, we have you through everything from causes to treatment of prostate cancer. Envision the best possible well-being for your prostate.
Prostate Cancer: Overview
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland. The prostate gland appears as a small walnut-shaped gland under the bladder and in front of the rectum in a male. This gland produces seminal fluid, which feeds and transports sperm during ejaculation.
Mostly, prostate cancer happens in aged men, and the contributing factors to the disease include age, family history, and race.
In the early stages, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms, making it difficult to detect. But, as the tumor grows, it may show symptoms like erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine or semen, difficulty urinating, and pain in the pelvic area.
Early detection and treatment are important to increase the prognosis and results of prostate cancer. Regular tests and consultations with doctors about risk factors and screening options are crucial for males. This is especially true for those at higher risk of diagnosing prostate cancer at an early stage when it is most curable.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
According to researchers, there are many factors leading to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer in a male.
When considering whether any of these factors apply to you, keep in mind that having one or more of them doesn’t assure you will develop cancer. But, you should undergo prostate cancer tests recommended by your medical doctor. It is also essential to understand that men without these risk factors may get prostate cancer:
Age
Prostate cancer’s risk is higher as you reach a certain age. It is likely to occur as you cross the age of 50. The majority of prostate cancer cases are seen in men over the age of 65.
Family History
Those who have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer may have a higher risk of developing the illness. The risk is even higher if more relatives have been diagnosed with cancer. So, it is wise to know that most prostate cancers occur in males with no family history of the ailment.
Ethnicity
Usually, African Americans or blacks are at a higher risk of prostate cancer than people from other races or ethnicities. Moreover, prostate cancer in black people is more prone to be aggressive or severe.
Obesity
Obese people may have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer than people who are regarded to be of average weight. However, some studies have shown inconsistent findings. Those who are obese are more susceptible to aggressive cancers that recur after first treatment.
All the factors mentioned above may raise the risk of cancer development. But, you should note that not every individual with risk factors will develop cancer. For the diagnosis of cancer, it is crucial to have regular screening and early detection.
Early Signs of Prostate Cancer
It is good to identify the early signs of prostate cancer. Since these signs or symptoms may not be noticeable at first, but there are some warning signs you may experience, such as:
Urinary Changes
Urinary changes include frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, or a burning sensation during urination.
Blood in Urine or Semen
Blood in urine or semen may show prostate-related problems, including cancer.
Erectile Dysfunction
While not limited to prostate cancer, constant erectile dysfunction may be a sign to consider, particularly when combined with other urinary symptoms.
Pelvic Discomfort
Constant pain in the lower back, pelvic area, hips, or thighs can be one of the key early prostate cancer symptoms. This generally happens if the cancer becomes worse with time.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss, accompanied by other symptoms, can cause concern. But, this may need further investigation.
Bone Pain
Prostate cancer that reaches the bones may result in bone pain. This happens in the hips, thighs, or lower back.
Fatigue
Constant fatigue, especially when combined with other symptoms, can be a sign of advanced prostate cancer.
Diagnosis and Screening
Prostate cancer diagnosis and screening are crucial stages in early detection, improving treatment results, and saving lives. Below, we have discussed some of the diagnostic and screening procedures:
PSA Blood Test
A blood test to determine the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a protein
generated by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may suggest prostate cancer. But, they can also be a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate inflammation.
PSA levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The risk of prostate cancer development rises when PSA levels spikes. But, no clear cutoff threshold can determine whether a man is having prostate cancer.
Many clinicians use a PSA cutoff value of 4 ng/mL or above to determine whether a man needs additional testing. Still, others may back, starting at a lower level, such as 2.5 or 3.
Prostate Biopsy
A prostate biopsy can also assist with the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In this procedure, the pathologist collects tissue from the prostate and examines it for cancer cells. Transrectal ultrasonography, which transmits ultrasound waves to the prostate and surrounding tissues with a rectal probe, guides this removal.
Around 120 million samples are collected from various sections of the prostate during a prostate biopsy. After the biopsy tissue is obtained, the pathologist views it under the microscope.
Pathologists check biopsy samples for abnormal, malignant cells before diagnosing prostate cancer. If the pathologist detects cancer, they will assess the grade (how aggressive each cell appears under the microscope) later on. Pathology reports include information on how many biopsy core samples have cancer and the proportion of malignancy in each core.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound can be used to determine the grade of the cancer (staging). These tests even identify whether the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. Here is a short overview of the imaging tests used for detecting prostate cancer:
MRI
MRI is among the most common imaging tests. It is also effective and painless. Doctors use it to assess the soft tissues of the body. An MRI scan employs potent magnetic fields and radio waves to image the body’s tissue composition.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan incorporates several X-ray scans to give a precise picture of the body’s
bones and connecting tissues. Doctors can view CT images separately or in 3D. A clean CT scan lets clinicians assess the prostate for a diagnosis, monitor prostate cancer, and treat it.
Ultrasound
A prostate ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. This gives a more detailed picture of the patient’s prostate condition. A transrectal ultrasound is generally used to diagnose a patient with elevated levels of PSA or other prostate cancer signs.
A transrectal ultrasound shows real-time views of the prostate gland’s development and structure. This test may also be used in a prostate biopsy, which includes extracting a sample of the prostate and testing for cancer cells. The ultrasound can direct the needles to the right area of the prostate.
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Stages of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer staging is essential to assess the cancer’s aggressiveness and direct treatment options. The TNM approach is often used to categorize prostate cancer stages. It considers the size and extent of the tumor (T), whether the disease has spread to adjacent lymph nodes (N), and if it has metastasized (M) to other parts of the body. Here is an explanation of prostate cancer stages:
Stage 1
Prostate cancer, in its earliest stage, is the least advanced type. The prostate gland is the sole organ impacted by the earliest stage of cancer. A PSA below ten ng/mL, a Gleason score of 6, and a grade group score of 1 indicate it. Prostate cancer in stage 1 has a nearly 100% 5-year survival rate.
Stage 2
Stage 2 prostate cancer refers to a tumor that is still limited to your prostate. But, the cancer hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other body parts. In a prostate exam, a doctor may or may not be able to feel the tumor. Also, this may show up on ultrasound scans.
There is a very high survival rate of stage 2 prostate cancer, and its PSA score is below 20 ng/ml.
Besides that, there are 2 phases of Stage 2 prostate cancer, which are based on grade group and Gleason scores.
- Stage IIA: The cancer is still confined to the prostate gland but bigger. It can be detectable during a DRE or imaging test.
- Stage IIB: Compared to stage IIA, the tumor is larger in stage IIB. But, it has not spread beyond the prostate gland. Still, it may be limited within the gland or have grown into nearby tissues.
Stage 3
In stage 3 prostate cancer, cancer cells may or may not move to other tissues from the prostate gland. Cancer that has not spread to other body areas still has a nearly 100% survival rate.
Stage 4
The most advanced stage of prostate cancer is stage 4. There are two subgroups within this stage, which are:
- Stage IVA: Nearby organs or tissues, like the bladder, pelvic wall, or rectum, are affected by the cancer. Also, lymph nodes close to the prostate may be affected.
- Stage IVB: The cancer spreads to other distant areas of the body, including the lungs, liver, or bones.
Complications of Early Stage Prostate Cancer
There may rarely be any complications to occur in early stage prostate cancer. Still, there are chances of the following:
Bowel Symptoms
Prostate cancer radiation treatment may cause gastrointestinal signs like constipation, hemorrhage from the colon, or pain.
Metastasis
Prostate cancer can metastasize to distant organs, lymph nodes, or bones; however, this is less likely in the early stages of the disease.
Urinary Symptoms
Urinary symptoms like difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or blood in the urine can be a result of prostate cancer or its treatment.
Psychological Effects
Even in the early stages, a prostate cancer diagnosis may result in psychological side effects like anxiety, anguish, or fear of recurrence.
Treatment of Early Stage Prostate Cancer
Various factors come into play when you are seeking treatment options for early-stage prostate cancer. These might include the cancer’s aggressiveness, the wellness of the patient, and personal choices. Some popular treatments for prostate cancer include:
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy helps in lessening the levels of male hormones (androgens) in the body. Androgens help in the development of prostate cancerous cells. Hormone therapy can be employed alone or together with other therapies. This would help reduce tumors before surgery or radiation therapy. It can also be used for treating cancer that has progressed beyond the prostate gland.
Active Surveillance
There are cases where the cancer grows slowly, and no signs or symptoms are present. So, active surveillance can be a great option. In active surveillance, there is regular monitoring of the cancer through periodic biopsies, DREs, and PSA tests. There is an option to start the treatment when the cancer shows progression symptoms.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to detect and fight cancer cells. It is a newfangled therapy option for prostate cancer that may be employed in some cases, particularly when the disease has progressed to other regions of the body.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to combat cancer cells or lessen tumors. The medical experts can administer externally (external beam radiation treatment) or internally (brachytherapy). For early-stage prostate cancer or in combination with other therapies, radiation therapy can be the key treatment.
Surgery
For early-stage prostate cancer, the surgical removal of the prostate gland is a prevalent treatment. There are two basic forms of prostatectomy: robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and radical prostatectomy. The whole prostate gland and surrounding tissue are taken out in these procedures to eradicate the malignancy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for early prostate cancer that uses drugs to eradicate cancer cells or prevent them from growing. Generally, this treatment procedure is used for more advanced prostate cancer stages or when other treatments prove to be ineffective.
What is The Prostate Cancer Prognosis And Survival Rate?
The prognosis of prostate cancer refers to the anticipated course and outcome of the disease. This may include the predictable survival rates and the likelihood of recovery or recurrence. Many factors influence the prognosis of prostate cancer, which can be the following:
Cancer Stage
The prognosis of prostate cancer is highly affected by the extent to which it has spread. When prostate cancer is detected early rather than at a later stage in the disease’s progression, the prognosis tends to be good.
PSA Levels
PSA levels in the blood may give details about the existence and stage of prostate cancer. Greater PSA values upon diagnosis can be a sign of a worse prognosis.
Age And Health
Younger, healthier people may respond better to treatment and have a better prognosis than aged patients or those with underlying medical problems.
Gleason Score
The severity of cancer cells is evaluated using this grading system depending on how the cells appear under a microscope. A higher Gleason score means a more advanced form of cancer and might show a poorer prognosis.
Risk of Recurrence
The prognosis is also influenced by the likelihood of cancer recurring after initial therapy. So, to manage the condition effectively, patients at a greater risk of recurrence will have to go through extra treatments and closer monitoring.
A large number of males suffering from prostate cancer will not lose their lives because of it. They may die due to other reasons. For those who are diagnosed with this cancer, it is good to seek treatment as soon as possible. Over the years, prostate cancer survival rates for men have increased. All thanks to improved detection and treatment procedures. At the moment, five years is the minimum amount of time that males with prostate cancer will survive.
Many prostate cancer patients who receive treatment have become better. The majority of prostate cancers grow slowly and take years to advance. After five years, even if the disease has spread to other body parts, one in three men will still survive.
Conclusion
The early stage prostate cancer is the point where treatment is more effective. Due to immense advancement in the medical sector, there is an array of early stage prostate cancer treatment options available. Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, active surveillance, or hormone therapy for this cancer.
The prognosis of early stage of prostate cancer is often favorable, but early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential. Patients should work closely with the medical experts for a personalized treatment plan. They must also go through regular monitoring to ensure positive results.
Do you want to know more about prostate cancer? Schedule your appointment with University Cancer Centers. We have qualified experts who can provide the ideal guidance on treatment options tailored to your needs. Don’t let early-stage prostate cancer hold you back. Reach out to University Cancer Centers today! Call us at (713)-474-1414 or visit our website to fill out the appointment form.
