Prostate. Prostate cancer: symptoms and treatment. What is prostate cancer and how is it treated? Causes and diagnosis of a tumor

Located under the bladder, and forms the components of the seminal fluid. This disease is characterized by the rapid spread of malignant cells. They spread to nearby tissues and form tumors. If a malignant neoplasm is not treated for a long time, then there is a high probability that the disease can spread to neighboring organs, significantly reducing the possibility of a positive outcome.

What is prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a neoplasm related to a hormone-dependent tumor that develops in the presence of elevated levels of testosterone in the blood. It is worth noting that the greater the amount of this hormone produced, the greater the risk of developing a tumor.

Initially, a malignant neoplasm affects only prostate cells, but over time, the tumor spreads to other organs, acquiring more serious stages of development. Metastases begin already at the 3rd stage, however, stage 2 cancer can also metastasize to other tissues and organs.

According to reviews, the treatment of grade 2 prostate cancer is very successful if complex therapy is used, since at this stage there is no germination of malignant cells in neighboring tissues. Also, metastases to the lymph nodes and adjacent organs are practically not observed. If timely treatment is not carried out, the consequences of prostate cancer can be very serious, since with the subsequent progression of the disease, metastases move to neighboring organs and tissues, which complicates the process of therapy.

Causes of the disease

Despite advances in modern medicine, the exact cause of prostate cancer has not yet been fully determined. However, based on the studies, it was proved that the disease can occur not only against the background of hormonal disorders, but also in the presence of other predisposing factors, in particular such as:

• elderly age;
• hereditary predisposition;
• bad ecology;
• alcohol abuse, smoking;
• malnutrition;
• chronic diseases of the prostate.

In addition, the disease can occur in the case of prolonged work in hazardous production in contact with toxic and chemical substances.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The first symptoms in the 2nd stage are not very strong. The main signs can be considered complicated urination, the presence of blood impurities in semen and urine, as well as sexual dysfunction. All these symptoms are indirect and may indicate the presence of other diseases of the male reproductive system.

Gradually, the symptoms of prostate cancer in men begin to appear more strongly when the tumor begins to put pressure on the walls of the bladder. In this case, the man experiences frequent urge to urinate, but the urine comes out very slowly.

In addition, there may be other signs of prostate cancer, such as:

• Urinary incontinence.
• Swelling of the lower extremities.
• Stones in the kidneys.
• Blood impurities in urine and semen.
• Violation of potency.

If there are signs of prostate cancer, then you should definitely consult a doctor for a comprehensive examination and subsequent treatment.

Diagnostics

Even with the most minor problems with urination, you should contact a urologist as soon as possible. This sign is uncharacteristic and may indicate the course of other diseases of the genitourinary sphere of men.

Initially, the doctor conducts an examination by palpation, as well as a rectal examination of the rectum. This method is considered the simplest and allows you to determine the presence of oncology. However, if the tumor can already be felt, then the disease is at the final stage.

If a malignant neoplasm cannot be probed, the patient is assigned to conduct a study using a blood test for the detection of a prostate-specific antigen. To make a more accurate diagnosis, ultrasound, X-ray examination, and tomography are prescribed.

The final diagnosis can be made after a biopsy of the prostate. To do this, the fence is performed with a special needle through the perineum or rectum of a small part of the gland.

Carrying out treatment

Many patients are interested in whether it is possible to cure stage 2 prostate cancer and what methods are used for this. The treatment is selected by a specialist depending on the stage of the course of the disease, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant disorders. In addition, many other factors are also taken into account. The main methods of treatment are as follows:

• radical prostatectomy;
• radiation therapy;
• cryotherapy;
• hormone therapy.

Chemotherapy for a malignant neoplasm of the 2nd degree is carried out extremely rarely and only as part of complex therapy with other methods. There are other methods of treatment, but a successful prognosis can only be in the initial stages of the course of the disease.

Performing a surgical intervention

Surgery for stage 2 prostate cancer is a radical method of dealing with the disease. During the operation, the tumor is excised along with the affected prostate gland. Modern methods are based on the use of an automated system.

In some cases, laparoscopy is performed, which is considered the most gentle option. In this case, two small incisions are made in the lower abdomen, which are required for the introduction of the camera and surgical instruments. The whole process of the operation is carried out under the supervision of specialists. This technique is the safest, reduces the risk of complications and prevents relapses.

In addition, radiation therapy is performed for prostate cancer of the 2nd degree, if other types of surgical intervention are contraindicated. It involves irradiation of the prostate gland with the help of special devices. This technique does not provoke blood clotting disorders and does not affect the cardiovascular system. The prognosis of life expectancy in this case is quite favorable.

As the reviews show, the treatment of grade 2 prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy is possible. During surgery, it is possible to remove a prostate tumor without affecting healthy tissue. However, after the operation, urinary incontinence and worsening of erection may occur.

Conducting chemotherapy

Treatment of prostate cancer is also carried out with the help of chemotherapy, which is prescribed in combination with other methods. This method consists in the use of drugs with toxic substances that act on malignant cells and stop their division.

Treatment with grade 2 prostate cancer pills implies that drugs act on the shell and nucleus of malignant cells, causing their destruction. However, it is worth remembering that such treatment has many side effects, the most common of which are hair loss, weakness, nausea, severe fatigue. The most common medications are:

• "Mitoxantrone";
• "Doxorubicin";
• "Paclitaxel";
• "Extramustine Phosphate".

The course of taking funds for chemotherapy is six months and implies the use of funds in tablet form or in the form of injections.

Treatment with radiotherapy

Radiotherapy involves exposure to a malignant neoplasm with x-rays that slow down the growth of the tumor. Radiotherapy is carried out using a linear accelerator, which is distributed to the tumor and lymph nodes to prevent its growth and spread of malignant cells throughout the body.

Radiation therapy is carried out in a course of 5 days a week for 2 months. The procedure itself is completely painless and takes only a few minutes, but after the procedure, the patient is advised to rest for 2-3 hours. It is prescribed starting from the 2nd stage of prostate cancer, since radiation can affect healthy cells, causing side effects.

Carrying out brachytherapy

An alternative treatment for stage 2 prostate cancer is brachytherapy. The essence of this method lies in the fact that under the control of an ultrasound machine, iodized granules with a high degree of radioactivity are injected into the prostate gland. As a result, increased radiation is formed in the area of ​​the neoplasm, and the tissues located near the tumor are almost not affected.

Brachytherapy is characterized by much fewer side effects due to its point impact. Radioactive substances are injected only into the prostate and affect only the tumor, while not affecting nearby healthy cells. This increases the effectiveness of the procedure and minimizes side effects.

Prognosis and life expectancy

Life expectancy for stage 2 prostate cancer is approximately 10-15 years, but these figures can vary up and down. Despite the fact that each case of the course of the disease is purely individual, the prognosis is quite favorable, the survival rate of patients five years after the diagnosis is almost 100%.

Life expectancy in stage 2 prostate cancer largely depends on the success of therapy, the age of the patient and the presence of comorbidities. Most patients manage to recover completely, but this requires a competent integrated approach to solving the problem.

Diet for prostate cancer

Studies have shown that proper Grade 2 and dieting will help slow the progression of the disease. Men who ate only vegetable fats lived much longer. This is due to the absence of metastases. At the same time, the food included mainly oils in salads and nuts.

A special diet that reduces the risk of progression of the disease involves the exclusion from the diet of white rice, bread and confectionery. It is necessary to eat nuts, fish, legumes. Nutrition should be balanced, frequent and fractional.

Proper nutrition is combined with healthy drinks, it is necessary to exclude caffeinated drinks.

The prostate itself is one of the most important organs in a strong half of our population. It surrounds the urethra and is located under the bladder. But what is it for? The gland itself secretes a certain fluid in which spermatozoa outside the testicles can live and function for some time. Consider the nasty disease of prostate cancer.

Statistics on patients

Prostate cancer in men is a malignant neoplasm of the prostate gland, which develops and grows rapidly, and then metastasizes to other organs. Despite the fact that the processes in the tissues of the prostate develop for a long time (when compared with other oncological tumors), cancer still has a strong danger to the life of the patient.

In Russia, this disease is not as common as in Europe. In general, according to statistics, the majority of patients with this disease are blacks. This is rather strange, since they do not get cancer as often as whites.

As a rule, prostate adenoma cancer has a characteristic severity in older patients. And usually after 50 years, the risk of getting sick in men with this disease is higher than in young people. Of course, genetics also affects - so if the father had such a disease, then the son has a chance of getting sick 2-3 times higher than the other. There is also a minus that, like with any cancer, the first signs of prostate cancer do not appear in any way.

Causes

There are several approximate factors that influence the occurrence of "male cancer". Like any other cancer, unfortunately, scientists and doctors do not have exact data on what exactly causes a mutation in the prostate gland. Consider all the causes of prostate cancer:

• The age of the man. Both women and men experience hormonal changes in their bodies as they age. Because of what the male hormone becomes less, the organs work a little differently than in young people. As a result, the gland itself can mutate and produce tumor cells. Statistics show that cancer is extremely rare in young people. Usually the chance of getting sick increases after 40-50 years.
• Heredity and genes. If a man had a family with this disease, then he also has an increased risk of getting sick. It is clear that the further a sick relative is by generation, the lower the risk, but it still remains. In this case, as practice shows, by inheritance, cancer appears more often. There are two genes, BRCA 1 and BRCA2, which influence the heredity of predisposition to prostate cancer.
• Bad habits. Alcohol, tobacco and smoking, as well as drugs, have a large number of chemicals and mutagens that affect the occurrence of all cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). To this can be added reduced activity, sedentary work, etc. Men who play sports are less likely to suffer from this disease.
• Food. Doctors advise patients at risk for this disease not to eat red meat and animal fats.
• Ecology. This risk factor affects many diseases. And with a bad environmental situation in your city, as well as with chemical pollution, the chance of getting sick increases greatly.
• Hormonal disbalance. In this case, there may be a sharp increase in the level of male hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione. After that, the gland itself greatly increases and cells appear inside it, which begin to grow very quickly, they can later develop and mutate into cancer.
• Prostate adenoma - is it cancer or not? No, this is a benign neoplasm of fast-growing cells that can also turn into cancer. The mutation originates from the glandular epithelium.
• Prostatitis. The usual inflammation, as a result of which there is a violation of blood circulation inside the gland and a lack of oxygen to some tissues and cells.
• Sexual infections. Usually, diseases are very unpleasant and affect the entire male genital organ. As a result of the vital activity of the infection, poor-quality cells may occur.

Zero stage or precancerous condition

Like any other tumor, prostate cancer has several precancerous conditions that may not develop into cancer, but the chance of getting sick is greatly increased.

1. Hyperplasia with malignancy (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia). The appearance of an obligate precancerous condition is facilitated by some cells, which, due to a mutation, begin to change their structure and multiply quite quickly.
2. Atypical adenosis (atypical prostatic hyperplasia). In the very center, denser formations appear near the gland, or as they are also called “nodules”, in which cells begin to grow and multiply more rapidly due to external factors or illness. This facultative precancerous condition does not indicate 100% development of cancer, but the neoplasms and cells themselves have a slightly different structure and enlarged nuclei inside the cells.

NOTE! These two factors do not always lead to the onset of cancer itself. Usually this is influenced by a huge number of factors: from smoking and alcohol, to nutrition and ecology.

Symptoms

Like other cancers, this type of tumor behaves covertly and quietly in the early stages. At the same time, a specific prostatic antigen, or PSA for short, begins to be released into the blood. But it is necessary to reveal it. Most often, a man understands that he is sick only when the tumor itself begins to spread to nearby organs: the intestines, the bladder. Consider all the symptoms of prostate cancer:

1. Usually, after a precancerous condition, malignant cells pass into the stage of cancer and begin to multiply rapidly. At the same time, the gland itself greatly increases in size and begins to put pressure on the bladder. At the same time, symptoms of cystitis immediately appear when you constantly want to go to the toilet. Sensation as if the bladder were full, even after urinating profusely.
2. There may be burning and pain when urinating, as well as periodic pain in the perineum. Frequent urination. Sexual desire is reduced.
3. Since the gland itself increases in size, it begins to put pressure on the urethra and reduces its diameter. Subsequently, it is difficult for a man to go to the toilet, he has to strain a lot to go “in a small way”.
4. If the tumor is too large, then going to the toilet becomes even more difficult, because of which the urine begins to rise up into the kidneys due to excess and stones appear. The ureters and renal pelvis dilate. In later stages, the urethra is completely blocked and doctors place a catheter.
5. When urinating, there may be blood in the urine. Then the tumor damaged some vessel in the urethra, urinary duct or bladder.
6. The first signs of metastases are swollen scrotum, swollen penis and legs.
7. We are completely permeated by nerves, which are also fed by blood vessels. The tumor can cause severe swelling in the nerve that is responsible for potency.
8. If the cancer itself has reached the rectum, then in this case there may be severe pain during the act of defecation.
9. There are metastases to the lungs when a dry cough appears or to the liver - then jaundice may develop.

All of the above signs of prostate cancer may suggest other diseases. So if at least some symptoms appear, you will need to see a doctor to take general blood tests, biochemical analysis and blood for tumor markers.

Diagnostics

First you need to identify the disease itself, which is quite difficult to do at the initial stages of tumor development. Later, you need to find out the degree of damage, the stage and size of the tumor itself. Well, and most importantly, to determine whether malignant cells metastasize or not yet, and how much time is available for treatment. How to identify prostate cancer?

Examination methods

• . Usually the doctor begins to suspect something is wrong, after the usual clinical and biochemical analysis. After that, he directs the patient to take blood tests for PSA. Analyzes for antigens do not give accurate results and there are increases in performance. These proteins can also indicate other diseases.

• Finger study. Not a very pleasant procedure, but it makes it clear at what stage the cancer is. The doctor, using palpation, checks the gland for enlargement and compaction inside.
• ultrasound. A sensor is inserted into the anus, which looks at the size of the tumor, its nature, as well as some seals.

• Biopsy of the prostate. If the prostate antigen is elevated and it is already clear that there is a neoplasm. It is necessary to find out a malignant tumor or benign. A special needle is inserted and a small piece of tissue is taken. Usually they take from several sites at once. Next, the cells themselves are studied under a microscope and look at the nature of the development of the disease itself.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Computed tomography (CT). After the previous study, when confirming the malignancy of cancer tissues, it is necessary to determine the size of the tumor and how much it has affected nearby tissues, possibly organs.

Stages of cancer

After all the research that the doctor conducts, he makes the diagnosis himself, as well as the stage of the cancer itself, on which the nature of further treatment will depend. Consider the stages according to the Jewet-Whitemore system.

0 stage

We can say that this is a precancerous condition, which we talked about a little earlier. Some doctors take it into account and some don't.

1 stage

A stage in which there are no certain external signs and even an increase in the gland itself. Even on ultrasound it is impossible to see the source of ignition. The only thing that can help is an analysis of PSA tumor markers.

2 stage

The tumor grows, but does not go beyond the gland itself. It can already be detected by ultrasound and palpation. At the same time, some men have difficulty urinating due to squeezing the walls of the urethra.

3 stage

Malignant cells penetrate into nearby organs: seminal vesicles, bladder and rectum. Also, due to the rapid growth, the tumor can damage the blood vessels and appear blood in the urine. Plus, pain when urinating, burning in the groin.

4 stage

Metastases move to other distant organs. Due to a strong tumor, the urinary canal may completely overlap. There is a strong intoxication of the whole organism, headaches, a person quickly gets tired and tired. A more extensive development of this disease can lead to adenocarcinoma in the bladder or liver cancer. If malignant cells get on the testicles, then you will have to do an operation to remove the testicles.

THM classification

Treatment and therapy

Prostate cancer treatment comes directly from a complete analysis and diagnosis of the disease. As soon as the doctor fully understands the essence of the problem, the size of the tumor, the stage, and also takes into account the age and characteristics of the man, he selects a specific treatment.

NOTE! If the cancer has already affected an elderly person who may have additional problems with pressure, blood vessels, and the heart, then the doctor may postpone the treatment of prostate carcinoma if the cancer is in the first stage. In this case, the patient will be asked to take tests for the PSA antigen in the blood at regular intervals.

Surgical intervention

Radical prostatectomy or removal of the prostate. Usually occurs at stages when there is no metastasis yet. A small incision is made in the lower abdomen and the tumor itself is removed, as well as nearby lymph nodes, which could also be affected by cancer.

Is surgery performed for cancer metastases? Yes, in this case, the operation is still performed, but the chance of recovery in the patient is slightly lower. Plus, chemotherapy and radiation are connected to the treatment.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Chemotherapy has long been used in prostate cancer. Immediately, these toxins are primarily directed at cancer cells, which are rapidly dividing. Unfortunately, this procedure does not give a 100% result.

Radiation treatment occurs in several courses or paclitaxils. The disadvantage of this method is that the toxins themselves strongly affect healthy cells, as a result, there is a risk of complications.

With radio emission, the tumor itself is exposed to neural gamma, beta and delta radiation. The radiation itself is directed directly at the DNA of the cancer cell. After that, they cannot reproduce and die.

Usually, in order not to affect other organs and reduce the effect of radiation on nearby tissues, the procedure is performed on a linear accelerator. The second method is the introduction of radioactive substances or iodine into the tumor itself. This is a good option, since the tissues that are nearby are not irradiated so much.

HIFU or ultrasound therapy

This type of therapy is very often used abroad. The meaning of the procedure itself is to try to destroy the tumor cells themselves with a thin beam of ultrasonic waves of a very high frequency.

Medicines and medicines

In this case, the doctor prescribes two drugs. One reduces the amount of male sex hormones in the blood, which is why the tumor does not grow as fast. The second drug - makes the prostate gland insensitive to any of the male androgynous hormones.

Hormonal treatment

Usually used when there is nothing left, or for stage 4 patients and older men.

Antiandrogens. Usually used with pituitary hormones for androgynous blockade when cancer cells cannot interact with male hormones.

Preparations

• Flucin
• Casodex
• Anandron

Pituitary hormone analogues. Medical castration - as a result, the level of male hormones in the blood drops dramatically.

Preparations

• Lucrin
• Diferelin
• Decapeptyl

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists. As a result of therapy, tumor cells become more differentiated or similar to normal healthy prostate cells.

Preparations

• Firmagon
• Fosfestrol
• Diethylstilbestrol

NOTE! Hormones are used along with radiation therapy. For older men, treat with low temperatures, freezing the prostate gland. Under the influence of low temperature, the fluid expands and destroys the tumor cells.

Antibodies

Doctors use almost the same antibodies that humans have. These monoclonal antibodies begin to violently fight cancer cells and destroy them. Unfortunately, this therapy is not often used in our country. Although in progression, cancer is treated well.

Viruses

Virotherapy is used to fight cancerous tumors with special viruses. The drugs themselves reduce the tumor and subsequently destroy it.

Preparation: ECHO 7 Rigvir

Forecasts

If a malignant neoplasm is detected at an early stage, then the patient has more chances to be cured. At the moment, there is a so-called five-year survival index. That is, at what stage of prostate cancer the patient can live 5 years or more.

1. Stage - more than 90%
2. Stage - 80%
3. Stage 3 - 40%
4. Stage 4 - 15%.

NOTE! With certain treatment, even the elderly and stage 4 patients have a chance of prolonging life with prostate cancer. Some medical treatments can reduce the size of the tumor itself and increase life expectancy.

How to avoid prostate cancer?

Of course, no one will give you a 100 percent guarantee that you will never get sick with this disease. But you can reduce the risk of the disease very easily, the main thing is to follow these rules:

• Proper nutrition and diet.
• Try not to smoke or drink alcohol.
• Active lifestyle and exercise in the morning. If you have a sedentary job, then get up every half hour and do a little exercise for 2-3 minutes.
• Healthy sleep, which allows a greater release of melatonin into the blood.
• Try to get tested at least once every 2-3 years. For older men over 50, once a year.
• Refrain from sexual intercourse with unfamiliar partners - reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

The prostate is a small gland responsible for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. In youth, symptoms of organ dysfunction rarely occur. With age, the risk of developing serious diseases increases. Men are often diagnosed with adenoma, prostatitis, prostate cancer and other troubles.

The reasons

The organ is located in the zone of the bladder (in its bottom part), therefore, when the gland grows, the man feels symptoms associated with impaired urination.

The main causes of prostate cancer lie in testosterone, a hormone that regulates the functioning of the gland. Its main amount is produced by the testicles, the rest is produced by the adrenal glands.

As a man grows older, the body begins to slowly increase in size, so the need for testosterone increases. You need to know the first signs of prostate cancer in order to see a doctor in time.

Additional causes of cancer include:

• genetic predisposition;
• inflammatory diseases of the prostate;
• the presence of bad habits;
• malnutrition (excess of red meat and animal fats in the diet);
• viral diseases;
• the influence of radiation;
• work in a hazardous industry.

Sad statistics show that among all malignant diseases in men, prostate cancer is more common than others. In Russia, it is detected in 6% of people over 65 years old.

Symptoms

High mortality is due to late diagnosis due to the absence of pronounced symptoms.

Early symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• increased fatigue, loss of strength;
• loss of appetite or complete aversion to certain foods (often protein);
• weight loss;
• a slight increase in body temperature (within 37.0 - 37.2 degrees Celsius).

However, they accompany most diseases and pathological conditions, therefore they are not specific precursors of oncology.

Prostate cancer

Often the patient does not pay attention to minor manifestations, therefore, does not voice complaints to the doctor.

Symptoms of prostatitis join the signs:

• slight pain when urinating;
• occasional erection problems;
• drawing pain in the lower abdomen.

These symptoms of prostate cancer appear as the tumor grows, when the enlarged gland begins to put pressure on the urethra and nerve endings.

Most often, the disease is detected at stages 2–4, when the neoplasm goes beyond the capsule of the gland, spreads to neighboring organs and metastasizes.

In men with prostate cancer, the following symptoms are observed:

• severe pain when urinating;
• violation of the outflow of urine;
• blood in urine and semen;
• deterioration or complete absence of erection;
• feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen;
• increased urge to go to the toilet, especially at night.

When cancer cells enter the lymphatic system, symptoms of enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes are observed. As other organs are affected, other signs of prostate cancer in men join. When metastasizing to the lungs, a cough with blood appears. When the bones are affected, pain is observed at the site of localization. If the secondary focus is located in the liver, the organ increases in size, the skin turns yellow, and the limbs swell.

None of the above symptoms indicates the development of cancer, but their combination suggests a malignant cause of the malaise. An examination is required to make an accurate diagnosis.

Prostate cancer in the early stages can be detected in men who regularly visit a doctor for preventive purposes.

Diagnostics

Prostate cancer is treated by a urologist. At the initial visit, he will need to take a detailed history and conduct an examination.

Palpation of the prostate gland is carried out through the anus of the patient. The attending physician evaluates its size and structure with a finger.

Normally, the contours should be even, and the sides symmetrical. In prostate cancer, multiple changes are observed.

Already at this stage, the doctor may suspect a pathology. The preliminary diagnosis will need to be confirmed instrumentally, using the following studies:

• Blood test for PSA (prostate specific antigen). It does not apply to oncology markers, but indicates problems in the work of the prostate. Its rate fluctuates depending on age. On average, it is 2.5 - 4.5 ng / ml. An increase of up to 10 ng / ml indicates the possible presence of cancer, but often indicates other problems with the prostate. Too high indicators with a high degree of probability say that the cause is in the tumor.
• Transrectal ultrasound. It is an informative method of visual assessment of the body. The shape, structure, presence of neoplasms are clearly visible on the monitor.
• MRI or CT. It is prescribed in controversial cases, for example, when the PSA level is greatly elevated, but a malignant tumor of the prostate gland is not visible on ultrasound. Sometimes it is carried out for a detailed examination of the neoplasm.
• Biopsy. Needed to study a tissue sample at the cellular and tissue level.
• Gleason index. Histological analysis of the biomaterial of the prostate will allow to study the cellular structure of the tumor. High rates indicate an aggressive course and a poor prognosis.

The PSA level often rises long before visual detection of the tumor, so all men over 40 are recommended to have it once a year in the absence of clinical signs.

It is extremely rare for a malignant tumor to be detected with a normal PSA level.

Therapy Methods

How to treat prostate cancer will tell the doctor. The selection of an individual scheme is carried out taking into account many factors. Among them:

• age;
• cancer stage;
• test results;
• Gleason index and more.

When diagnosing stages 1 and 2 of carcinoma, when the tumor does not go beyond the capsule, the man has a chance of recovery.

In advanced cases, with extensive damage to neighboring organs and metastasis, it is problematic to cure the patient.

Prostatectomy

A radical method consisting in the surgical removal of the prostate gland. Often, adjacent lymph nodes and seminal vesicles are cut off along with the affected organ.

Depending on the indications, the gland is removed:

• cavity method;
• with the help of laparoscopy;
• special installation "Da Vinci" (a type of laparoscopy performed by a robot is used mainly in foreign countries).

Treatment of prostate cancer by prostatectomy is relevant for stage 1 and 2 cancer. If the tumor is not aggressive and is found after 65 years, then the prostate is rarely removed. Often, another method of treatment or expectant management is selected.

Radiation therapy

At an early stage, men are recommended brachytherapy, a type of radiation treatment in which the prostate is irradiated directly. The procedure is carried out by introducing a capsule with radioactive iodine into the diseased organ. The substance deforms the DNA structure of pathological cells, leads to their destruction and a decrease in the size of the malignant tumor.

Systemic radiation therapy is more commonly used for:

• 3 and 4 stages of cancer;
• spread to other organs;
• the presence of metastases;
• relapse.

It is often prescribed after a prostatectomy to eliminate the remaining cancer cells.

Hormones and castration

Androgen-suppressing treatments for prostate cancer are often combined with radiation, chemotherapy, or prostatectomy at various stages of the cancer. As a mono-medicine, such medicines are rarely used.

Chemical castration without surgery can reduce the rate of division of malignant cells or stop the process. Their action is to suppress the production of testosterone.

Surgical castration is an irreversible procedure that suppresses testosterone production by cutting off the testicles (testicles).

The decision is made based on the indications and wishes of the patient. The advantage of drug treatment is the complete restoration of functions after discontinuation of drugs, so most men choose the latter option, despite the high cost.

Chemotherapy therapy

It is used at any stage of the disease, if previous methods of treating prostate cancer have failed or there are contraindications to them. Its effectiveness depends on many factors.

How cancer is treated at a certain stage should be decided by a specialist based on the results of the examination. Drugs can be prescribed for the purpose of a complete cure or to alleviate the patient's condition.

The disadvantages of treatment include an extremely negative effect on the body. The patient has the following symptoms:

• hair loss;
• nausea;
• bleeding.

This is because chemotherapy drugs do not have a selective effect on diseased cells. In the process of healing, the healthy also suffer.

A relatively new method is targeted therapy. In recent developments, some shortcomings have been taken into account. These drugs cure cancer:

• disrupting the process of formation of new vessels that feed the tumor;
• lowering the activity of cancer cells in the bones;
• blocking receptors that affect the growth of a malignant tumor;
• by teaching the body to independently deal with the threat, by introducing inactive fragments of malignant cells.

Medicines are still undergoing clinical trials, but many volunteers have already evaluated the effectiveness of individual drugs in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Rehabilitation after treatment

The cure primarily depends on the degree of neglect, signs and aggressiveness of tumor cells.

If, after the treatment, the disease has receded, and the symptoms of prostate disease no longer bother, you should carefully listen to the doctor's recommendations:

• to refuse from bad habits;
• temper;
• exercise regularly;
• avoid heavy physical exertion;
• timely examination;
• inform the doctor about the deterioration of health.

Sexual relations are not contraindicated, but during hormone therapy, erections in many men worsen or disappear altogether.

During the rehabilitation period, the cured man is recommended to exclude the following products from food:

• sausages, canned food, pates;
• hamburgers, pies and other fast food;
• animal fats and red meat;
• store sweets, homemade cakes;
• all fried foods, refined oil;
• coffee, cocoa, chocolate;
• carbonated drinks.

To never know what prostate cancer is and its signs, you should pay attention to the use of:

• tomatoes;
• watermelons;
• pumpkins;
• persimmons;
• papaya;
• apricot;
• guava.

These herbal products contain lycopene, which prevents the development of prostate cancer.

It is not easy to cure prostate cancer, but is it possible to avoid the recurrence of the disease? Even with a complete cure, a relapse may occur over time. Radical removal of the gland does not always help, because in neighboring tissues there may be malignant cells that are difficult to diagnose. If new signs of the disease appear, you should immediately visit your doctor.

Despite significant progress in the development of global oncology and pharmacology, the proportion of prostate cancer in the total oncological incidence among men is constantly growing, and today this type of tumor is among the top three of all localizations in the male body. It has now been reliably established that the majority of men over fifty have the so-called subclinical form of prostate cancer, i.e., the disease is asymptomatic. In 80% of men older than 80 years, clinically undetectable areas of the tumor are found. In Russia, the incidence of prostate cancer is 3-5%. Let's analyze the symptoms of prostate cancer in men, the identification of which may suggest this disease.

Pathology picture

Unfortunately, the patient usually skips the first signs of prostate cancer, does not attach importance to them or self-medicates, and consults a doctor at a time when the disease of the prostate gland has already passed into stage 3-4 and all the symptoms characteristic of this disease appear. The prognosis for cure becomes unfavorable in such situations.

Prostate cancer does not have unique features that are unique to this particular disease; in the initial stages, the tumor can be mistaken for an adenoma. Irritating symptoms are characteristic - incessant pain in the perineum and inguinal region, very frequent urge to urinate, a constant feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied. Symptoms caused by the mechanical action of the tumor are significant difficulty in urination, urinary retention, thin and intermittent jet, prolonged urination time, increased efforts to empty the bladder. These symptoms may be associated with an increase in the tumor, and in advanced stages - with the appearance of metastases that spread through the blood or lymphatic vessels.

Prostate cancer goes through four stages in its development. At the earliest, signs of the disease are detected only when a specific prostate antigen is detected in a blood test, the level of which rises rapidly in a malignant tumor. The patient at this stage does not experience any discomfort in the body, the symptoms begin to appear much later, when the growing tumor presses on the bladder. Education can develop over several years. By itself, each individual symptom is not evidence of prostate cancer, but should be a wake-up call for men and a reason for examination by a urologist.

What is characteristic for different degrees of illness?

Let us consider in more detail the symptoms of prostate cancer at different stages of its development.

In the first two stages, the tumor is a small focus of pathology and does not affect the functioning of the reproductive system in men. It is usually discovered by chance during other examinations or operations. Signs of a malignant process of the prostate can develop within twenty years after the onset of the disease. The absence of characteristic symptoms of the disease most often prevents the initiation of timely treatment, although the prognosis for a complete cure at this stage is very favorable. In the results of a general blood test, there is such a sign as a significant increase in ESR, the leukocyte formula changes, and persistent anemia is observed. Blood biochemistry shows a low level of proteins, hypoalbuminemia is observed. The second stage is also asymptomatic, the manifestation of signs of the disease at this stage depends on the impact of the tumor on the ureter. The prognosis for the second stage is quite favorable.

Most often, prostate cancer is detected in the third stage, when the tumor begins to grow and go beyond the capsule of the prostate, it is at this stage that the symptoms and signs of cancer appear in full. Unpleasant sensations are greatly enhanced. It is the progressive discomfort in the genitourinary system in the third and fourth stages of the disease that forces men to seek the help of specialists.

The fourth stage of cancer is the last, metastases penetrate into all internal organs, pelvic bones, spine, which causes very severe pain in men, which can only be removed with narcotic painkillers.

It should be noted that in countries with a developed system of early diagnosis of prostate cancer, such as the United States, Japan, EU member states, the fourth stage of cancer develops in about a third of the diseased men, while in Russia this is observed in more than half of patients. The prognosis for prostate cancer at this stage is extremely unfavorable.

What might suggest danger

In the first stage of prostate cancer, however, as in almost any other localization of the tumor, a number of non-specific symptoms and signs are possible: frequent headache, loss of appetite and weight loss, fatigue and sleep disturbances, bleeding gums, recurrent thrombophlebitis. However, even with such first signs, you should seek medical help to identify the source of the disease.

At the first symptoms from the article, you should consult a doctor!

With the progression of the disease, compression of the ureter occurs. The patient may find the following sets of symptoms:

1. The patient constantly feels that when urinating, his bladder is not completely emptied.
2. Particular discomfort causes frequent urination, during the day the patient is forced to visit the toilet every 15-20 minutes, night sleep is completely disturbed.
3. The nature of urination changes, the pressure of urine weakens, and the stream is interrupted. Emptying the bladder requires significant physical effort from the patient.
4. The patient experiences a constant urge to urinate, which in reality turn out to be false.
5. A dangerous symptom is urinary incontinence, which may be a sign of tumor growth into the sphincter.

With the growth of education in men, back and pelvic pain intensifies, which previously did not bother much. This sign appears as a result of squeezing by the enlarged prostate of sensitive nerve endings. Urination is significantly complicated, the patient complains of constant weakness and a sharp decrease in performance. At this stage, the tumor is usually already clearly visible on the X-ray and on the photo from the ultrasound examination, an increase in the level of urea is observed in the results of a biochemical blood test. Complete urinary retention may occur, as a result of which intoxication of the body develops, leading to extremely negative consequences. In this case, it is necessary to urgently insert the catheter into the cavity of the bladder through its sphincter and the lumen of the urethra. In the semen or urine of men, traces of blood can be detected, which indicates damage to the vessels of the prostate gland or bladder by an overgrown tumor. With the defeat of metastases of the lymph nodes of the inguinal region in men, severe edema appears on the legs and external genital organs, including the scrotum.

If metastases have penetrated into the rectal area, the patient will constantly feel the urge to defecate.

If metastases have penetrated the rectal area, then this causes the following symptoms:

• Constant painful constipation.
• False urge to defecate, which are extremely painful (tenesmus).
• Frequent signs of bleeding during bowel movements, intestinal obstruction, mucus in the anus.

With prostate cancer at the fourth stage, the patient loses weight dramatically, often, looking at photos of patients at this stage of the disease with a difference of several months, it is difficult to believe that this is the same person. Metastases can also penetrate the lungs, then men have a severe, prolonged cough. When liver metastases are affected, it ceases to cope with its functions, the patient develops jaundice and begins to suffer severe pain in the right hypochondrium. The prognosis in the presence of metastases in the fourth stage of prostate cancer is extremely unfavorable.

Differences from benign formations

Symptoms of cancer of the gland often resemble signs of adenoma (now instead of the term "adenoma" the name "benign hyperplasia" is used). The fundamental difference between prostate adenoma is its benign nature. Adenoma is characterized by the appearance of nodules, one or more, which can increase over time. Adenoma develops quite slowly and is always within the boundaries of the prostate.

The main cause of prostate adenoma is the natural aging of the body, so most often it is diagnosed in men who have crossed the forty-year mark, with age, the frequency of diseases increases. Another important cause of prostate adenoma is hormonal imbalance in the body of men. Also, the disease can be provoked by constant stress, untreated inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system and unhealthy habits.

The symptoms of adenoma are in many ways similar to the symptoms of cancer in its initial stages, so the first signs of the disease should be a sufficient reason to see a doctor. In no case should you self-medicate, this can lead to smoothing of symptoms and difficulty in correct diagnosis. With proper and timely treatment, the prognosis for prostate adenoma is very favorable.

It must be remembered that a malignant tumor can develop from prostate adenoma, this also applies to chronic prostatitis, which is a focus of inflammation.

Prostate cancer is a serious, difficult to diagnose disease, the clinical symptoms of which are nonspecific in the early stages. Only an attentive attitude to your body and regular examination will help to establish the disease at its early stage, when there is every chance for a complete cure. All of the above allows us to give strong recommendations to all men over the age of forty: it is necessary to undergo regular examinations by a urologist, and in case of violations in the prostate gland, strictly follow all medical prescriptions.

Prostate cancer is considered the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. The average age of men diagnosed with this disease is 66 years. In 6 out of 10 cases, prostate cancer is found in men aged 65 years and older, in rare cases in men under 40 years of age. This disease is asymptomatic and is not detected in screening tests due to false positives in current screening tests. Most often, in 90% of cases, prostate cancer spreads only to this organ and does not affect the rest, which means that almost 100% of men suffer from this disease within five years. If you are worried about getting prostate cancer, learn to recognize its symptoms, learn more about the stages of the course of this disease in order to receive timely treatment.

Steps

Recognizing the symptoms of prostate cancer early

Detect the symptoms of this disease at an early stage. Note any symptoms so you can tell your doctor about them later. They are not concrete evidence that you have prostate cancer, but they signal that you need to see a specialist.

Pay attention to the frequency of urination processes. If they have changed dramatically, this may indicate the presence of cancer. For example, if you need more time to complete the process. The tumor may be located near the urethra or bladder and interfere with the normal flow of urine. Remember that if it takes you longer than usual to complete the process of urination, this is a clear sign that you need to look out for.

Burning when urinating. Due to the large accumulation of excess urine in the bladder or urethra, you can develop an infection that causes inflammation. When urine passes through the urethra, you feel a sharp pain. Prostatitis develops - an infectious inflammation of the prostate gland.

Urine reddish or pink in color due to blood impurities. When the tumor of the prostate gland increases, blood vessels begin to injure and burst, hematuria develops. An enlarged prostate leads to inflammation and urinary tract infections, which cause blood to appear in the urine.

Pay attention to pain during ejaculation. It is known that such symptoms can also indicate prostate cancer and prostatitis. Inflammation of the prostate gland irritates the seminal glands during ejaculation, which causes pain during orgasm.

Be aware that swelling in the limbs or weakness in the legs, arms, and bones may also be signs of prostate cancer. This disease also spreads to the lymph nodes, which are located throughout the body, including in the groin area. With oncology, they increase and cause swelling in the corresponding area. Pay attention to the swelling of the extremities, if you think that the swelling has spread to only one side, compare it with a healthy area.

You should also pay attention to shortness of breath, chest pain and / or cough with an admixture of blood. Prostate cancer can affect the lung area. Antibiotic-resistant cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath are serious signs. Cancer interferes with the normal functioning of the lungs, leading to damage and inflammation of tissues and arteries. This inflammation leads to pleurisy (fluid buildup in the lungs) causing shortness of breath and chest pain.

Difficulty walking, headaches, loss of function in certain parts of the body, memory loss and urinary incontinence are signs of advanced prostate cancer. Quite often, prostate cancer provokes a brain tumor - leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. It is manifested by headaches, numbness in certain parts of the body, difficulty walking, urinary incontinence and memory problems.

Pay attention to pain and increased sensitivity in the back. Prostate cancer can spread to the spinal cord, causing compression of the spine, causing back pain, soreness, and muscle weakness. Neurological problems may also occur, such as retention or incontinence of urine or bowel contents.

Be aware that bleeding from the rectum during a bowel movement can be a sign that cancer has spread to the rectal area. According to studies, prostate cancer spreads to the rectum as a nearby organ. Pay attention to bleeding and/or pain in the anus during bowel movements.

You should also understand that the symptoms associated with prostate cancer may be signs of other conditions. For example, with a urinary tract infection, burning during urination and fever can also be observed. In any case, in order to find out whether these signs are symptoms of prostate cancer, you need to contact a specialist. It is recommended to seek qualified medical advice, conduct routine examinations and take tests to make the correct diagnosis.

Be aware that prostate cancer may be asymptomatic. Many men with this disease do not have any suspicious symptoms at all. If you are at risk, you should have regular check-ups to look for possible symptoms.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer

Visit your primary care physician. If you find any signs of prostate cancer, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Although other diagnoses also have many symptoms similar to prostate cancer, such as prostatitis, urinary tract infection, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is best to rule out the possibility of cancer as soon as possible. Your doctor will conduct a detailed collection of data and test results in order to schedule an appropriate examination, ask you questions about symptoms, family history, diet, sex life, tobacco and drug use.

1. Find out how your doctor will diagnose prostate cancer. You can tell him about your symptoms, but an accurate diagnosis can only be made with the help of specific medical tests. If you are suspected of having cancer, your doctor may refer you for various screening tests and tests:

   • Digital rectal examination. In this case, the doctor will examine the prostate by inserting the index finger into the glove through the rectum, then he will palpate the navel and prostate. The doctor will be able to determine the presence of any seals and irregularities, changes in contour, size. In pathology, the prostate gland is enlarged, the tumor is hard and uneven. Negative results of a rectal examination, unfortunately, do not exclude the presence of prostate cancer.
   • Blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA). For this test, the doctor will draw blood from your arm. This antigen is a protein substance that is found in the prostate. According to most doctors, the level of 4ng / ml is considered normal. Men with a PSA level between 4 and 10 have about one in four chances of developing prostate cancer. If the PSA level is over 10, the chance of developing cancer is over 50%. This test can give both false positive and false negative results. Elevated PSA levels may not indicate prostate cancer or related problems. It serves as a definition, and a normal PSA level may not mean the absence of cancer. Ejaculation, and prostate infections, rectal exams, and even cycling can cause elevated PSA levels. In this case, the analysis should be repeated after two days. If the PSA level is still elevated, a rectal examination or prostate biopsy (removal of tissue for analysis) may be required. Prostate cancer can occur even when PSA levels are normal.
   • Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). During an ultrasound scan, a probe lubricated with a special substance is inserted into the rectum, while the necessary organ is displayed on the display. The doctor will examine the prostate gland for enlargement, irregular shape, or contours. Using this method, it is not always possible to accurately determine the presence of prostate cancer.
   • Biopsy. During a TRUS scan, a needle is inserted into the prostate gland in order to take a sample of its tissue for analysis. Your doctor may need several tissue samples. This is the most reliable test confirming the presence of BPH or prostate cancer. If previous tests have shown a negative or normal result, your doctor may use this type of test if symptoms are still suspect. The Gleason index is used in the analysis of prostate tissue biopsy. The scoring system ranges from 1 to 5, where 5 means having cancer and 1 means not having cancer.