Prostate enlargement does not mean cancer
Prostate enlargement is a condition that affects almost half of older men. However, enlargement of the prostate does not mean cancer. It is necessary to be examined by a Urologist to investigate the cause of the growth. Because early diagnosis of prostate cancer saves lives.
Enlargement of the prostate (BPH_benign prostatic hyperplasia) is generally seen due to benign adenoma tissues and, with a small possibility, malignant cancer cells. Therefore, regular check-ups are essential for early diagnosis to distinguish between BPH and prostate cancer.
Early diagnosis is very important
While going to the doctor regularly for prostate control is a very common approach in developed countries, prostate control is avoided in our country. This situation causes diseases to be diagnosed late.
Men need to have routine urology check-ups starting from the age of 50. Prostate control is required once a year after the age of 50, and at 6-month intervals after the age of 60.
Prostate cancer is a disease caused by a malignant tumor that forms in the prostate, an organ specific to men. It progresses rapidly, especially between the ages of 45-60, and more slowly after the age of 70. It is not yet known exactly what causes prostate cancer. As with other types of cancer, environmental conditions along with genetic predisposition are thought to play a role in the occurrence of this disease. Some risk factors that may contribute to the development of prostate cancer are:
Presence of prostate cancer in the family, age, hormones, Vitamins A and D, fatty diet.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
For the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the patient must first undergo a urology examination. Especially anal examination with finger (rectal touch) can give important findings. Apart from this, it is necessary to have a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. As a result of these, if there is a suspicion of prostate cancer, an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is performed and the diagnosis of prostate cancer is made.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Therefore, urological examination should be performed at regular intervals.
P If there is BPH along with prostate cancer; It may cause symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation in urination, urination at night, and disruption of bowel movements. In more advanced stages, bleeding and obstruction in the urine and bone pain may also occur.
Every man with a history of prostate cancer in his family or first-degree relatives should undergo an annual urological examination starting from the age of 40. If the PSA value is high, if there is suspicion on finger examination, or if both are suspicious, a biopsy should be performed.
PSA is used in cases of urinary tract infection (especially prostatitis and urethritis), bladder stones, after recent sexual activity, and after instrumentation (injection from the urinary tract with a medical instrument). intervention) may increase. Additionally, the enlargement of the prostate with the aging process may cause an increase in PSA level.
Treatment of prostate cancer
After the pathological diagnosis of prostate cancer is made by biopsy, the presence of metastasis is investigated with abdominal MRI and bone scintigraphy. In this way, the stage of the disease is determined.
If it is caught in an advanced stage, the disease can be controlled with hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
The gold standard treatment for prostate cancer detected at an early stage is Radical prostatectomy surgery. Today, this surgery can be performed by laparoscopic or open methods. After the surgery, complaints of urinary stenosis and urinary incontinence may occur at a low rate. With increasing surgical experience, these complications and sexual dysfunction are gradually decreasing.
As a result, prostate cancer is a type of cancer that can affect most men today and can be completely treated if diagnosed early. Regular urological checks are essential for early diagnosis.
Read: 0
