Prostate cancer of male reproductive organ

Prostate cancer: cancer in male reproductive organ 

Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer that affects the prostate gland, which is a small gland in the male reproductive system. It is the second most frequent cancer for men worldwide and the majority of cases occur in those over 65 years old. The causes of prostate cancer are not known for sure, but experts link it to age, family history, genetic mutations, obesity, and a diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables. 

At its early stages, prostate cancer may not present any symptoms but as it progresses, men may experience urinary problems like weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty while starting or stopping urination, and more frequent urination at night. Other signs may include blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, and pain in the hips, back, or chest area. 

Diagnosis usually involves a digital rectal exam by the doctor where they insert a finger with a glove and lubricant into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities; also an antigen (PSA) blood test to measure a certain protein produced by the gland; as well as a biopsy which takes a part of the tissue from the prostate for examination. 

The treatments vary depending on several factors like stage and intensity of cancer, age and health of the patient plus his own preferences. Surgery can be done with open technique or minimally invasive such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgeries; radiation therapy can have an external or internal approach with radioactive implants; hormone therapy reduces male hormones such as testosterone that can promote the growth of cancer cells; chemotherapy with drugs to kill them all is usually used when other treatments are not enough. Besides these conventional methods also exist cryotherapy which freezes the gland to eliminate cells; high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with sound waves to heat them up; Immunotherapy which boosts the body’s immune system against them. 

Prostate cancer can have a great impact on quality of life both physically and emotionally so supportive care from family, friends, and experts plus counseling are needed for coping with the diagnosis process as well as treatment side effects that involve anxiety or depression among others.