It tends to grow faster than acinar adenocarcinoma. In contrast, urothelial prostate cancer begins in the lining of the bladder and can spread to nearby tissues. In hereditary cases, the cancer may be caught in the prostate gland and spread to nearby organs.
Several genes related to the development of prostate cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with increased risk of developing the disease. OHSU physicians provide expert genetic counseling and testing to identify whether a patient is at increased risk of developing cancer. The good news is that the average patient living with prostate cancer for five years or more is 96.8%. However, that figure does not take into account the possibility of dying from another cause. Moreover, new treatments are now available to treat even the most advanced forms of cancer.
The best way to detect a diagnosis of prostate cancer is to undergo regular routine screenings. This can help doctors detect it earlier and cure the disease. However, prostate cancer is very difficult to detect before it has spread outside of the prostate. Because it takes years for a person to develop the disease, screening is vital. Most men diagnosed with the disease can expect a five-year survival after receiving a diagnosis. In addition, the symptoms of prostate cancer may mimic symptoms of other, less serious diseases.
In a recent study, researchers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reviewed 52 studies to determine which treatments are effective for men with localized prostate cancer. Based on the data collected, most men with this type of cancer survive after four to five years with the first treatment. However, in more aggressive cases, patients are treated with second-generation anti-androgens. In the meantime, chemotherapy remains the standard of care for prostate cancer. And, because the cancer is curable, the treatment options for localized prostate cancer may be less aggressive.
Screening for prostate cancer is important for men aged 40 years and older. MRIs of the prostate can detect cancer early, avoiding repeated biopsies. Close observation for prostate cancer patients can detect 25% of cases of low-risk disease. Moreover, the screenings are likely to catch slow-growing tumors and miss the more aggressive cancer. Thus, the majority of low-risk prostate cancer patients are spared the unnecessary cost and discomfort of biopsy.
Several side effects are associated with treatment for prostate cancer. The most common are urinary, bowel, and sexual problems. Some of these side effects disappear or get better over time, while others remain. If you experience a side effect, discuss it with your doctor. You may experience minor dripping of urine, or more severe leaking of urine. Newer surgical techniques have made these side effects less common. However, a man should still consult with his doctor to determine the best treatment for his condition.
