While many men who undergo treatment for prostate cancer are cured, others develop a biochemical recurrence. This occurs when the PSA level of a patient’s blood rises, or psa, and they have no evidence of metastasis in scans. Biochemical recurrences can be either slow or rapid, and depending on the type and stage of the cancer, you may be cured after just one treatment, or you may experience symptoms and continue to be monitored closely.
Treatment for prostate cancer can involve surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. It can also be associated with side effects, so it’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of the treatment with your doctor. Most doctors believe that the benefits of hormonal therapy outweigh the risks of the treatment, but if possible, it’s a good idea to take certain steps to minimize any side effects. Other measures, including a balanced diet and exercise, should be taken along with hormonal therapy.
There are various types of prostate cancer. Some forms of cancer spread to nearby tissues. The disease is classified as metastatic when it spreads beyond the prostate. The signs and symptoms depend on where it spreads. Metastatic prostate cancer typically spreads to the bones, lungs, brain, and lymph nodes. In some cases, inherited gene variants are the culprit. These individuals tend to develop the disease earlier than others. If the cancer is diagnosed early, a new treatment option may be available to control the symptoms.
Prostate cancer can cause frequent and painful urination, as well as blood in the urine. Because of its proximity to nerves that are essential for an erection, prostate cancer can lead to impotence and sexual dysfunction. Some men also experience swelling in their pelvis, hips, and back. So, it’s important to seek treatment for prostate cancer if you’re suffering from any of these symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with this disease, you should consider undergoing a prostate biopsy as soon as possible.
Radiation therapy may also be used for prostate cancer patients. Radiation therapy may also be necessary to control symptoms. Radiation therapy can also help men who are unable to undergo a radical prostatectomy. By freezing the prostate gland, this therapy eliminates the primary source of testosterone. However, this treatment is expensive and not widely used. The effects are permanent and cannot be reversed. However, it is still considered an option for advanced prostate cancer.
There are several risk factors associated with prostate cancer. Race and ethnicity are significant. Asian-American and Latino men have the lowest rates of prostate cancer. African-American men have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease and suffering from it in a more advanced stage. In addition, African-American men are twice as likely as white men to die from the disease. Although a number of environmental factors play a role in the development of this disease, genetics are the most important determinant.
