The prostate gland is a reasonably small gland which is roughly the the same size as a walnut and sits under the bladder and just in front of the rectum. An important gland, the prostate makes the liquid which helps to carry sperm.
A significant problem that can and often does strike the prostate gland is prostate cancer which is a serious condition that presently strikes roughly one man in ten and is the second most common cause of cancer related death in men today.
Just how does this condition begin?
Prostate cancer starts as a malignant tumor in the prostate gland which, if not treated, can spread over time into neighboring tissue and organs and then into the lymph nodes and bone.
So what are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Nearly three-quarters of those affected with with disease are over the age of 65.
Men who have family members such as a grandfather or father who have contracted cancer of the prostate are 11 times more likely to contract prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
The death rate from this condition rises with weight and is especially high in obese men.
Caucasian men are more than twice as likely to develop this disease than men of African decent.
Is there anything I can do to prevent myself from contracting prostate cancer?
There is really nothing which you can do to prevent yourself from contracting this condition although many people believe that eating a healthy diet can reduce the possibilities. At present there is very little evidence to support this.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
There are several tests available including the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, a digital rectal examination and a biopsy.
The PSA test is a blood test which measures the level of a prostate specific antigen in the bloodstream. High PSA levels are not an indication of prostate cancer but are an indication of a possible problem which should be investigated further.
The digital rectal examination requires your doctor to wear a glove and insert a lubricated finger into the anus to feel the prostate gland for signs of enlargement or irregularity.
A biopsy means the doctor will take several tissue samples from the prostate gland which will then be taken to a lab where they are checked under a microscope for signs of abnormal cells.
A significant problem that can and often does strike the prostate gland is prostate cancer which is a serious condition that presently strikes roughly one man in ten and is the second most common cause of cancer related death in men today.
Just how does this condition begin?
Prostate cancer starts as a malignant tumor in the prostate gland which, if not treated, can spread over time into neighboring tissue and organs and then into the lymph nodes and bone.
So what are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Nearly three-quarters of those affected with with disease are over the age of 65.
Men who have family members such as a grandfather or father who have contracted cancer of the prostate are 11 times more likely to contract prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
The death rate from this condition rises with weight and is especially high in obese men.
Caucasian men are more than twice as likely to develop this disease than men of African decent.
Is there anything I can do to prevent myself from contracting prostate cancer?
There is really nothing which you can do to prevent yourself from contracting this condition although many people believe that eating a healthy diet can reduce the possibilities. At present there is very little evidence to support this.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
There are several tests available including the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, a digital rectal examination and a biopsy.
The PSA test is a blood test which measures the level of a prostate specific antigen in the bloodstream. High PSA levels are not an indication of prostate cancer but are an indication of a possible problem which should be investigated further.
The digital rectal examination requires your doctor to wear a glove and insert a lubricated finger into the anus to feel the prostate gland for signs of enlargement or irregularity.
A biopsy means the doctor will take several tissue samples from the prostate gland which will then be taken to a lab where they are checked under a microscope for signs of abnormal cells.
About the Author:
Call by The ProstrateProblemCenter.com for much more information about prostate problems including everything from enlarged prostate symptoms to the PSA test
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