Prostate cancer is a disease that occurs in the male reproductive system. This cancer is very popular as the most causes of death in the United States.

The prostate itself is responsible for production of semen. Anatomically, the prostate gland is located between the bladder and rectum, so sometimes in diagnosed the disease we need finger rectal examination besides PSA blood test.

Symptoms

early symptoms of prostate cancer nearly often overlooked, because it is usually without symptoms. This is one answer for the question why this most often found in men aged fifty years and the most frequently diagnosed in the seventies. Indeed in line with the age, symptom that was not visible will be visible. a common complaint expressed by people with the disease is pain, especially when you urinate, sometimes you will found bleeding in urination, and the presence of erectile dysfunction.

Examination and Diagnosis

The diagnosis of prostate cancer is taken through physical examination or with a blood test named PSA. This Prostate Specific Antigen, is the antigen if it contained in someone`s blood, the doctor will suspect him suffer the cancer. Later the suspicions of prostate specific antigen will be confirmed by taking a tissue biopsy.

Prostate Cancer Treatment options

Appropriate treatment for prostate cancer is still under debate. Treatment options vary, depending on the stage. In the early stages can be used prostatectomy (removal of prostate) and radiation therapy. If prostate cancer has spread, hormonal manipulation can be done (reduce testosterone levels through the removal of drugs or the testis) or chemotherapy.

Surgery:

1. Radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland).

Often performed on stage cancer A and B. The procedure is long and is usually performed under general anesthesia or spinal. An incision is made in the abdomen or perineal area, and the patient had to undergo hospital treatment for 5-7 days. Complications that can happen is that impotence and incontinence uri. In patients who are still active sex life, can be done Potency-sparing radical prostatectomy.

2. Orkiektomi (removal of the testes, castration).

Appointment of two testes have decreased testosterone levels, but this procedure causes physical and psychological effects that can not be tolerated by the patients. Orkiektomi is an effective treatment, does not require re-treatment, compared to cheaper drugs and after undergoing orkiektomi patient did not need hospital treatment. Orkiektomi usually done on the cancer that had spread.

Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy used primarily to treat cancer of A, B and C. Usually if the risk of surgery is too high, then do radiation therapy. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland can be done in several ways:

1. External radiation therapy performed in hospitals without the need to undergo hospitalization. Side effects such as decreased appetite, fatigue, skin reactions (such as redness and irritation), injury or burns to the rectum, diarrhea, cystitis (bladder infection) and hematuria. External radiation therapy is usually done as much as five times / week for 6-8 weeks.

2. Transplant iodine beads, gold or iridium radioactive directly on prostate tissue through a small incision. The advantage of this form of radiation therapy is that radiation is directed directly to the prostate with tissue damage in the surrounding smaller.

Drugs:

1. Hormonal manipulation

The goal is to reduce the level of testosterone. Decrease in testosterone levels are often very effective in preventing the growth and spread of cancer. Hormonal manipulation is mainly used to alleviate symptoms without curing prostate cancer, namely cancer in patients who have been spreading.

Synthetic drug whose function resembles luteinizing hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH), the more widely used to treat advanced prostate cancer. An example is the lupron or zoladeks.

These drugs suppress the formation of stimulating the testes to testosterone (this is called chemical castration because it has the same result with the removal of the testes). Drugs given in the form of injections, usually every three months. The side effects are nausea and vomiting, flushed face, anemia, osteoporosis and impotence.

Other drugs used for hormonal therapy is androgen inhibitor (eg flutamid), which function to prevent the attachment of testosterone on prostate cells. The side effects are impotence, liver disorders, diarrhea, and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts).

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer is resistant to hormonal therapy. Usually given a single drug or combination of several drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Drugs that can used to treat prostate cancer is:

* Mitoxantronx
* Prednisone
* Paclitaxel
* Dosetaxel
* Estramustin
* Adriamycin

The side effects vary and depend on the drugs given. You should carefully consider the benefits and side effects of both treatments to find the best prostate cancer treatment options that suit with you.

According to a study published in the March 2006 issue of Cancer Research, capsicum helps halt prostrate cancer spread. Capsaicin probably has a certain positive consequence, the study concluded. Most important seems to be blocking NF-kappa Beta effect, a molecular mechanism that promotes cancer cell growth.

Capsicum it’s a pepper and capsaicin is the ingredient that makes them hot.

The study concluded that in prostate cancer cells whose growth is testosterone dependent, capsaicin influenced more prostate cancer cells to freeze in a non-proliferative status, called G0/G1. The research team also found that prostate cancer cells that are androgen independent reacted to capsaicin in a similar manner.

Based on team’s explanation, capsaicin lowers the amount of androgen receptor that the tumor cells produced, but did not obstruct normal movement of androgen receptor into the nucleus of the cancer cells where the steroid receptor works to regulate androgen target genes such as PSA (prostate specific antigen). The same source claims that capsaicin had a significant anti-proliferative action on human prostate cancer cells in culture. It also significant slowed the development of prostate tumors created by those human cell lines grown in mouse models.

In addition, capsaicin also was effective against leukemia, and might be effective in slowing or preventing the growth of other cancers as well.

It may be possible that capsaicin to be extracted from hot chillies and have it soon as a drug. However, people should take care not to increase the chillies intake as that has been associated with stomach cancers.

The good news about prostate cancer which differs from almost all other forms of tumor; is that it is generally slow to metastasize and with early detection, treatment and aftercare, there is a very good chance of containing the spread and hence; treating the underlying condition.

When it comes to alternative prostate cancer treatments – thankfully there’s an extensive amount of research currently underway into certain drugs for certain forms of the condition. Alternatively, other hormonal tests, studies & research based on testosterone levels in male candidates – is also currently being pursued. It seems highly likely that like many other cancers, with prostate cancer, it is vital to catch it before it metastasizes (or spreads from the prostate gland around the body) after which point there’s little doctors or aggressive treatments can do.

This is why it is wise for patients or potential patients to become familiar with alternative treatments at every stage and all relative alternatives, as soon as any of the symptoms become known.

While a lot of work is going into establishing antibodies that will hopefully help minimise the need for radiation and surgery, there are also a lot of other established alternative methods that have proven their worth and can be explored in each individual case. Among these is a strict change in diet, where certain foodstuffs will be added, such as a higher percentage of fruit and vegetables and some will be taken away. Dairy products in particular are not good for this type of cancer and with the help of a specialist, may indeed be eliminated entirely from the diet.

A lot of cancer treatments will heavily depend on age. For example, doctors and oncologists may be willing to try aggressive forms of treatment on young middle age men, whereas, the same condition on a person over seventy for instance, will be dramatically different. The biggest concern with prostate cancer is keeping it contained within the prostate tissue, and if this can be done successfully, the chances of survival will be greatly increased, as again, it is a slow tumor to develop.

For a full list of information and details about the different kinds of treatments available for prostate cancer sufferers, patients are advised to first visit their GP, as well as perhaps checking online for the best alternative solutions and advice, thus; maximizing every potential for cure.

Importance of Early Detection

As prostate cancer is very much a condition under the current spotlight, the dangers, as well as other forms of cancer, are that once it has spread from the tissue in the prostate gland, there is very little doctors can do, and so, your doctor may want to begin trials immediately after a full screening. The bigger options of course, for any kind of cancer are chemotherapy and surgery; however, these are not looked upon for this kind of cancer as a first option. The best advice perhaps is to look around for as many alternatives as you can find initially, while you begin consulting with your GP.

It is also worth noting that there are dedicated doctors and specialists that can be found online to help answer any questions you may have prior to beginning any form of traditional or alternative prostate cancer treatment, but please be aware that early detection and treatment is always the best route.

One of the treatments available for prostate cancer patients is radical prostatectomy. It is a surgery wherein the entire prostate gland and some of the tissues surrounding it will be removed and it is done in an open or laparoscopic surgery.
Undergoing in a radical prostatectomy has several advantages. The prostate will be completely removed and assures long history of use. This type of open prostatectomy will usually take two to four hours and a laparoscopic prostatectomy will take around 7-8 hours. The operation procedure will be performed under general anesthesia. Patients will be required to stay in the hospital.

The prostate cancer survival rate has risen dramatically over the past 30 years, especially when the biopsy shows that the cancer cells remain confined to the prostate. For these men, the statistics show that 90% of sufferers are surviving for five years or more.

Unfortunately, once the cancer has metastasized, typically spreading to the nearby bones and lymph nodes, as well as the rectum and the bladder, this rate drops to just 30%. However the stage at which the disease is diagnosed is also a hugely influential factor in these more specific statistics for the prostate cancer survival rate.

It should also be pointed out that, because most cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men in their seventies, those men could well fall victim to other unrelated but still terminal conditions over the next five years.

There are two different staging systems for assessing the progression and treatment of prostate cancer. The Gleason score is based on the appearance of cells under a microscope with grades being given between 1 for cells which look most normal and 5 where cells look most abnormal. The two areas of cells with the highest grade are then added together giving a Gleason score between two and ten.

The TNM system examines the size of the Tumour, the number of lymph Nodes which are affected and the presence of any Metastases. T1 and T2 cancers remain confined to the prostate but T3 and T4 cancers have metastasized – or spread – elsewhere.

On average, just under half of the 5% of men whose cancer has moved beyond the prostatic capsule when it is diagnosed will die within two years, whilst around 33% will survive for five years.

These statistics for the prostate cancer survival rate serve only as a guide and are certainly not a definite indication of a patient’s eventual outcome.

From a western nutritional perspective, we know that including an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats helps to strengthen our overall health, improve cardiovascular health, and create strong immunity systems.

A Chinese nutritional perspective embraces those ideals and expands the role of food as medicine in acknowledging that certain types of food have specific resonances with the energies of the immunity system and our abilities to release carcinogenic pathogens, and give support to the body to recover from surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Turnips

This remarkable yet common healing food has an impact on all 12 meridians (energy pathways in the body) to help us move out pathogens and detoxify the body.

Turnips in the diet can provide support to people who are going through chemotherapy or radiation therapies or for those who need to detoxify stress chemicals that form as we respond to everyday life.

In Asian countries, soups are made of turnip, carrots and cabbage to help strengthen the immunity system and heal from viruses, bacterial infections and other pathogens. A cup or two of this type of soup 4-7 times a week, can strengthen the internal organs and promote a vibrant flow of energy throughout the body. When our energy flows smoothly and without obstructions, disease cannot exist.

You can make this soup easily by using a base of 4 cups of organic chicken broth (low sodium or organic vegetable broth), 3 large turnips diced, 3 large carrots diced, and 1/2 cup of white cabbage. Add in 1-2 tsp of toasted garlic, 1 small purple onion, 2 tsp of fennel seed, and 2 stalks of finely chopped organic celery for flavor.

Bring to boil, then simmer for one hour.

Lycopene Rich Foods

Lycopene is similar to beta carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant that helps to prevent cancer. Lycopene occurs naturally in the prostate and declines with age. However, we can help to support healthy levels of lycopene through diet.

Foods rich in lycopene include red vegetables and fruit, especially cooked or processed tomatoes. Other foods include pink grapefruit (check for interactions with certain cancer and other medications), watermelons, apricots, and pink guava.

However, before you rush out to buy lycopene supplements, you should also be aware that the efficacy of supplements of lycopene and high consumption of lycopene rich foods has been questioned by the FDA after examining data from 107 observational studies and 23 studies that included blood analysis.

The FDA stated that consuming lycopene supplements or high amounts of lycopene rich foods does not have a significant impact on prostate health and cancer. The FDA’s position on this issue was reported in the Journal of Cancer Institute (July 10, 2007) issue.

Yet, anecdotal clinical evidence exists of clients improving their PSA levels (levels that indicate the health of the prostate) by adding lycopene rich foods to their diets.

From a Chinese nutritional perspective, lycopene and other anti-oxidants are not magic bullets. Instead, it is thought that the presence of anti-oxidants such as lycopene, in combination with other nutritional and energetic properties of foods, can be a powerful tool in helping the body to detoxify and protect against cancer. This is why it is important to take a balanced approach and integrate a wide variety of foods in the diet.

Similarly, the American Cancer Society advocates a diet comprised of a wide variety of foods as opposed to being excessive with any one food or taking high levels of anti-oxidant supplements.

Pumpkin Seeds

This simple food appears to diminish the triggering of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone-a conversion product of testosterone). As a result, pumpkin seeds may help to prevent enlargement of the prostate gland.

Pumpkin seeds help to create healthier cholesterol levels, and protect bones by providing a source of zinc (low levels are associated with more hip fractures and osteoporosis) .

Sprinkle raw pumpkin seeds over salads, into soups and over other favorite foods. For added flavor, you might wish to toast the seeds but the nutritional value is higher when eaten raw.

Organic Chicken

In the Chinese nutritional system, chicken helps to strengthen the internal organs of the kidneys, said to rule our reproductive organs on an energy level. Organic chicken is free of hormones, antibiotics and pesticides, and helps to detoxify the body. Chicken is also a lean source of protein.

Include other lean organic meats and fresh produce to further reduce toxins in the diet.

Affordable sources of organic produce and some meats are available at local farmer’s markets. Also, you may wish to join a community garden to obtain the freshest sources economically and help others partake of organic foods.

Drink Healing Beverages

Decaf green tea, chrysanthemum tea, barley tea, red clover, and saw palmetto tea: All of these natural teas are rich in anti-oxidants and have detoxifying properties.

Chrysanthemum has a cooling, detoxifying effect. When combined with a small amount of decaf green tea, cinnamon and ginger, chrysanthemum can help quell nausea from chemotherapy and radiation therapies.

Trained Chinese herbalists often combine chrysanthemum with other herbs to create a decoction or tea that helps to heal prostate cancer.

Foods to Avoid

Decrease the level of sugar, caffeine, and fat in your diet, particularly trans-fatty acids. Read labels. When you see the word” hydrogenated,” that is a clue that trans-fatty acids are present. All of these foods create excessive heat in the body on an energy level. Since the energy of cancer is hot, if we diminish foods that feed heat, we can also protect our bodies against cancer.

Similarly, chemotherapy and radiation are also hot in nature. By reducing hot natured foods in our diet, we can empower ourselves to minimize the side effects of these types of treatments and detoxify the body.

Eliminate sugar substitutes such as sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame (Nutrasweet). Although many studies have produced data which suggest that these sugar substitute sweeteners are safe for regular human consumption, these products do not contain properties that heal the internal organs.

Also eliminate sweeteners which contain saccharin, which studies have found is associated with certain health risks such as birth defects and cancer.

Stevia is an all natural sweetener that is appropriate for diabetics or others who are trying to eliminate sugar. Stevia Rebaudiana is an herb in the chrysanthemum family which provides natural sweetness without raising glucose levels in diabetics, and contains properties which are said to help balance high blood pressure, help balance the pancreas, and reduce stomach acidity.

Please note that information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult with your medical physician before implementing any new dietary changes when recovering from prostate health challenges.

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and second only to lung cancer in cancer related deaths among men in the United States. Sometimes this cancer can be small, slow growing and present limited risk to the patient while at other times it can progress rapidly presenting great health risks. Yet, when prostate cancer is detected in its early states, it can be effectively treated and cured. Therefore, it is advisable for men to have an annual medical check-up in order to examine their prostate’s size, texture, and general functioning.

The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system and is about the size and shape of a walnut; and is located between the bladder and the base of the penis. The urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder and semen from the sex glands out through the penis – runs through the centre of the prostate. That is why any disease or condition that increases the size of the prostate or causes inflammation can lead to urinary problems as the enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra thus affecting the flow of urine.

One major function of the prostate is to lubricate the ejaculation process (by making and adding fluids to semen and other seminal fluids) and to increase the pH making the vagina more hospitable, and therefore more conducive for fertilization. It produces prostatic fluid when the man is aroused and contracts during ejaculation to empty.

Normally body cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed to keep the body healthy. However, sometimes the process goes wrong – cells become abnormal and form more cells in an uncontrolled way. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumour. Tumours can however be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Thus prostate cancer occurs when a malignant tumour form in the tissue of the prostate. In its early state, it needs the male hormone, testosterone to grow and survive.

Also, sometimes, cancer cells break away from the malignant tumour in the prostate and enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system and travel to other organs in the body. When cancer spreads from its original location in the prostate to another part of the body such as the bone, it is called metastatic prostate cancer, not bone cancer. Often the appearance of the cancer cell provides a clue to indicate if it is programmed to be slow growing and relatively harmless or more aggressive and lethal.

However other medical problems can equally affect the prostate. Among these medical problems is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH (often called benign prostatic hypertrophy) which is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostrate, a condition that becomes increasingly common as men age. This can result in urinary problems, including urinary tract obstruction. The second is Prostatitis, also a noncancerous inflammation of the prostate which can cause burning sensations during urination. Clinically important prostate cancers can be defined as those that threaten the well-being or life span of a man.

Prevalence of Prostate Cancer

It is predominately a disease of elderly men and is one of the most common types of cancer among American men. Cancerous cells are likely to be found in the prostates of 22% of men age 50-59, in 37% of men 60-79, and in more than half (53%) of those living to 80 and older. The disease rarely occurs in men younger than forty years of age.

Globally, it ranks third in cancer incidence and sixth in cancer mortality among men. However, there are marked geographical and ethnic variations in the incidence and mortality of clinical prostate cancer. The risk is highest in North America and northern European countries, and lowest in Japan and other Asian countries and intermediate in regions of Central America and Western Africa. The differences in occurrence may partly be accounted for either by the differences in screening for prostate cancer and the risk of other diseases among world regions or more likely by genetic predisposition as well as diet and other environmental factors.

Risk Factors

Despite the high incidence of prostate cancer, scientist still do not have any fundamental knowledge about the exact cause of this disease and thus have been unable to explain why one man has the disease and the other does not. However, they have been able to identify some risk factors that are associated with the disease. A risk factor is anything that increases the chances of one getting a disease.

Aging

Age is the greatest factor influencing the development of prostate cancer. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is rare before age 40 but increases dramatically thereafter. In the United States, it is estimated that one in 55 men between the ages of 40 and 59 will be diagnosed with this disease. This incidence climbs almost to one in six for men between ages 60 and 79.

This association is also reflected in mortality as prostate cancer accounts for about 10 percent of cancer-related deaths in men between the ages of 60 and 79 and nearly 25 percent in those over the age of 80. Clinical disease is rather rare in men under the age of 50 years, and the incidence increases markedly in men aged over 60 years of age.

Genetics/Heredity

Heredity seems to be the most important risk factor. Indeed, men with a family history of the disease may have a risk of developing prostate cancer 2 to 11 times greater than men without a family history of it. Approximately 9% of all cases of prostate cancer have a genetic basis. The risk is even higher when two or more relatives are affected or when the affected relative is a father or brother.

Race

While, on a global level, prostate cancer ranks third in cancer incidence and sixth in cancer mortality among men, there is however, a notable variability in incidence and mortality among world regions. The incidence is low (but rapidly increasing in recent years) in Japan and other Asian countries and intermediate in regions of Central America and Western Africa. The incidence is higher in North America and Northern Europe. Even within the United States, this disease is much more common in African-American men than in any other group of men. It is least common in Asian and American Indian men.

Lifestyle

There is also considerable evidence that some Western lifestyle factors play a role in the occurrence of prostate cancer. However the specifics as to which lifestyle factors are involved are still not very clear. Nonetheless there are suggestions that excessive intake of calorie, dietary fat, and refined sugar increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Also reduction in the intake of fruits and vegetables, reduced exercise, and overall higher obesity rates are also considered to increase the risk of having it. Specifically, obesity has been clearly shown to increase risk of death from prostate cancer. Thus, the simplest advice for avoiding death from prostate cancer is to prevent obesity and if you are obese, to lose weight and keep it off.

Also there are some food components that have been suggested to protect men from the risk of prostate cancer and amongst this is soy protein which could also be a factor in the reduction of the prevalence of prostate cancer in Asian countries and is therefore regard as the most protective dietary factor against prostate cancer. Also the intake of green tea by residents of Asia has been adduced to contribute to the low prevalence of prostate cancer in that region.

Equally, the intake of dietary substances such as lycopene and fish oils is believed to help in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Cooked tomatoes are rich sources of lycopene. Lycopene are antioxidants that may protect cells from becoming cancerous. Fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids) are thought to reduce heart disease due to reducing inflammation. Given the presumed importance of inflammation in causing prostate cancer, it stands to reason that fish oils may prevent prostate cancer. Other food components that have been suggested to protect men from the risk of prostate cancer include carotenoids, pumpkin, spinach, watermelon, and citrus.

However, regarding the issue of prevention of prostate cancer, there is still a lingering controversy about true prevention. Consequently, most physicians believe that there is no easy substitute for a healthy lifestyle involving eating a healthy diet, avoiding dietary excesses, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting lots of exercise and being physically active, visiting the doctor on a regular basis, and most importantly achieving and maintaining a normal body weight.

Prostate health is one of the most important aspects of a man’s health. It is something that should be treated with a balanced diet your whole life. Prostate cancer is VERY serious and will kill you if not diagnosed early and treated. Prostate cancer is a condition where prostate cells grow exponentially and out of control. It is the most common cancer associated with men, and can lead to many complications, one rather large one being that you die.

Since prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, every man should consider trying to improve the health of this vital gland naturally through diet and supplements. The idea of eating for a healthy heart is now medically accepted ­ but the concept of eating for a healthy prostate is revolutionary.

Afflictions of the prostate are most commonly found in developed countries whose dietary habits focus on red meat and dairy products. Eastern males eat many more yellow, orange, red and green vegetables (such as red, yellow and green peppers, broccoli, spinach, etc. A recent Harvard study, among others, found that diets high in lycopene-rich tomatoes, tomato products and other lycopene-rich sources have been shown to be associated with a lowered risk of developing prostate cancer.

Dietary fiber derived from beans, lentils and peas in high quantities have been associated with decreasing prostate cancer risks while promoting prostate health. The main component associated with prostate cancer is fat. A diet low in animal meat may decrease your risk for developing prostate and other cancers. Maintaining a healthy prostate is easy enough these days with all of the dietary supplements and herbal pills now available.

Each year thousands of men are treated for inflamed prostates, in most cases those cases of prostatitis could have been prevented with the help of supplements for prostate health. They are not meant to cure disorders, but they can help strengthen a man’s resistance against these conditions. Most supplements for prostate health are found in ordinary natural foods that people can easily get their hands on. Herbal remedies have long been found effective as supplements for prostate health.

In the past few years, supplements have been made available to help men minimize their chances of developing any of these disorders. Even though these supplements cannot cure cancer, they can help in developing the defenses of men against prostate disorders. In fact, a range of dietary supplements and herbal medicines offers new ways to prevent or treat prostate disease, and cancer in general.

Prostate health is simply nothing to ignore and finally… you don’t have to. For it is one of the most important concerns for men, and each man should have a yearly check of their prostate health after a certain age. Natural prostate health is the best choice that many men are making today to ensure their health, since natural health is about taking care of your body as a whole. Prostacet is a super prostate formula and the best supplement to give your body all that it needs to help you in reducing your risk for prostate cancer.

Having a child is both a joy and a blessing. And the special bond that parents form with their children is something that undeniably goes beyond words. But what if having children could possibly lead to prostate cancer?

A recent study shows that fathers who have daughters just might have greater risk compared to those who have sons. From www.TV3.co.nz:

Research shows men who father daughters have higher risk of cancer
Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:00p.m.

New research indicates that men who father daughters, not sons, may be at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer.

Israeli scientists found that compared with men who had at least one son, men with only daughters were 40 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Men with three daughters and no sons were up to 60 percent more likely.

Experts think a common genetic cause may affect both the risk of cancer, and the chance a man will father girls.

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer.

Photo credits: Simona Balint

Once a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is then important that information regarding the extent of the spread is determined, and how much it has affected the gland. Determining this is what is called prostate cancer staging. Prostate cancer staging involves categorizing the disease in specific classification in order to derive the appropriate approach for your treatment.

Prostate cancer staging conventionally was done by classifying the stages as Stages A, B, C and D. Stages A and B may be curable, and in both cases, the cancer is localized within the gland. In this type of prostate cancer staging, stage C has the cancer spreading beyond the prostate but has not reached the lymph nodes. Some in this stage have some hope of being cured. In stage D, the cancer has already reached the lymph nodes, bones and some other areas. Though the prostate cancer in this stage may no longer be curable, it can be treated for purposes of slowing its effect down.

New prostate cancer staging systems now use the TNM notation. T means tumor, N means Nodes (lymph nodes), and M means metastasized to other body organs.

For this prostate cancer staging system, the T classification has two types: a.) clinical stage, and b.) pathologic stage. The clinical stage is important in determining whether removal of the prostate gland may be in order, though it will not show the extent of the cancer spread. The pathologic stage is determined after surgery and will enable one to know the severity of the cancer – also, one will be able to have a better impression on how it might fair for him in the future.

Prostate cancer staging systems, whichever is used, provide a general guideline on what to expect at each particular level. It describes the condition of the prostate and the cancer cells in it, the treatment that may work for your particular stage, and the prognosis for your case.

With the valuable information it provides, prostate cancer staging systems will be a useful tool for both patients and doctors alike. Patients will be able to understand their current situation and the specific status of their prostate. Doctors will be able to rely on them to come up with the suitable approach for the patients they are treating.

Without prostate cancer staging systems, there would not be any means of putting meaning of the level and severity of the cancer experienced by the patient – no reference for appropriate approach in treating prostate cancer. A prostate cancer staging system has continued to be an efficient tool and basis for one’s treatment & prognosis.