What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour that originates in the prostate gland. It can be made up of different types of cells, but in most cases it is a tumour called adenocarcinoma. In Spain it is the second most common form of cancer in men, only surpassed in terms of the number of cases by lung cancer. The mortality rate for prostate cancer has reduced over the last twenty years thanks to scientific breakthroughs. This disease does not display a specific pattern of behaviour: in some cases its progress is slow, but in others it can grow rapidly and spread to other areas of the body.
Risk factors
- Age. This type of cancer is common in men over 50. Eight out of ten patients with this condition are over 65 years old.
- Nutrition. A high-fat diet that is low in vegetables, fruits and cereals increases the risk of developing this type of cancer.
- Race/Ethnic group. Prostate cancer is more common in black men.
- Family background. Epidemiological studies indicate that the probability of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer doubles if one first-degree relative has been affected and quadruples if two or more have been affected.
Symptomatology
Prostate cancer can be asymptomatic in its initial stage. In some cases, blood will be present in the urine and urinary disorders may become apparent, such as increased urination, painful urination and the need to strain to empty the bladder.
In very advanced cases, the passage of urine may be blocked, due to the urethra being compressed by the prostate or because the cancer has spread to the bladder and ureters.
Manifestations of metastasis include pain due to the bones being affected, although some men remain asymptomatic despite presenting extensive metastases.
Prostate cancer treatment
At the Serrate & Ribal Institute of Urology we consider it essential to diagnose this disease early, which can be done easily and quickly through digital rectal examination, ultrasound and blood analysis to detect abnormal levels of PSA. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate can help to identify suspected areas of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a tumour that presents heterogeneously, so our team of professionals provides different therapeutic options, depending on the type of tumour and the condition of the patient. We also offer advice when selecting a treatment with the aim of preserving quality of life: