Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Doctor in Kolkata
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men globally. It progresses in the prostate, a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, which produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. This cancer can be serious but many men with prostate cancer can live long and healthy lives if detected early. If you want to know more about prostate cancer consult with the prostate oncologist in Kolkata to get specialized care for patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow in a very rapid way. It can vary significantly in aggressiveness; some tumours grow slowly and may not cause serious health issues, while others can spread quickly. It is necessary to detect early and understand the disease for effective management.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
At early stages, prostate cancer does not present noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, men can experience several symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
It is essential to recognise these prostate cancer symptoms for timely diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
Prostate Cancer Causes
To improve the prostate cancer recovery rate it is necessary to identify prostate cancer causes. Let us explore its causes to get the most suitable treatment plan for prostate cancer.
- The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly with age, particularly after age 50.
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk.
- Being overweight may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Understanding these prostate cancer causes can help in assessing individual risk factors.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
After you get to know about prostate cancer’s causes and symptoms, you need to undergo several tests for successful recovery.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A physician checks the prostate for lumps or abnormalities.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A blood test that measures the level of PSA, which can be elevated in men with prostate cancer.
Biopsy
If abnormal results are found, a small sample of prostate tissue may be taken for biopsy examination.
Imaging Tests
MRI or CT scans can help determine the extent of cancer spread.
These diagnostic methods are vital in confirming the presence of prostate cancer and determining its stages.
Prostate Cancer Stages
Prostate cancer is staged based on how far it has spread:
- Stage I: Cancer is small and confined to the prostate.
- Stage II: Cancer is larger but still within the prostate.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues.
- Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body, such as bones or lymph nodes.
It is possible to determine the most suitable treatment approach, once the prostate cancer stage has been checked.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The doctor recommends prostate cancer treatment options based on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. The common treatment options include:
Active Surveillance
For low-risk prostate cancer, doctors can recommend monitoring without immediate treatment.
Radiation Therapy
This treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Hormonal Therapy
This therapy helps to reduce hormone levels that increase cancer growth.
Chemotherapy
In this method various drugs are used to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, often used in advanced stages.
The prostate cancer treatment plan should be prepared according to the needs of the individual, taking into account their personal health and preferences.
Prostate cancer is a serious health concern that demands immediate attention and action. This condition, if detected early, can lead to better treatment results and improved quality of life. If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms you need to seek immediate doctor advice to improve prostate cancer recovery rate. Early intervention is crucial in the fight against prostate cancer. Therefore, if you or a loved one finds yourself facing this diagnosis, do not hesitate to reach out for expert help. The right support can make all the difference in managing this condition effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can prostate cancer be 100% cured?
Prostate cancer can often be cured, especially when detected early and treated promptly. However, a 100% cure depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis, the aggressiveness of the cancer, and the effectiveness of treatment. In the early stages, treatments like radiation therapy can result in high cure rates. Advanced stages may require more complex management, and while remission is possible, a full cure may not always be guaranteed.
Is prostate cancer serious?
Yes, prostate cancer can be serious, particularly if not detected and treated early. While many men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a good prognosis, especially in its early stages, aggressive forms can lead to significant health complications and may metastasize to other parts of the body.
Is prostate cancer painful?
Prostate cancer itself may not cause pain in its early stages. However, as the cancer progresses or spreads, patients may experience discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or bones. It’s essential for individuals experiencing such symptoms to consult the doctor for evaluation and management.
How to check prostate cancer?
To check for prostate cancer, doctors usually perform a combination of tests, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to measure levels of PSA, and a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the prostate’s size and texture. If abnormalities are detected, further tests such as a biopsy or imaging studies may be recommended for diagnosis.
Can urine detect prostate cancer?
Yes, urine tests can aid in detecting prostate cancer. Researchers have developed specific urine tests that analyse genetic material or biomarkers associated with prostate cancer, helping to identify the presence of the disease. However, these tests are used alongside traditional methods like PSA blood tests and biopsies for a comprehensive evaluation.