There are several different types of tests to determine if you have prostate cancer. Some of these tests use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get a clearer image of the prostate. A contrast dye is injected into a vein before the scan so the doctor can see more details. MRI tests use radio waves and strong magnets to examine tissue samples. Both tests can detect cancer cells in the prostate. A biopsy is required if your doctor suspects the cancer has spread to the nearby tissues.
Another treatment for prostate cancer is hormone therapy. This includes testosterone-blocking drugs or injections into the testicles. These drugs kill cancer cells and non-cancerous cells that are rapidly growing. Men with advanced stages of prostate cancer may be candidates for chemotherapy. While this treatment isn’t always necessary, it can prevent pain as cancer spreads. Chemotherapy also helps men who have experienced the side effects of other treatments. Most side effects, such as impotence, will subside when the treatment is complete.
The results of biopsy tests determine the stage of prostate cancer. Pathologists give a Gleason grade to the samples. A lower Gleason score means that the cancer cells haven’t spread outside the prostate. A higher Gleason score indicates that the cancer has spread outside of the prostate and may have spread to other parts of the body. The Gleason score is determined by calculating the percentage of cells within a biopsy that match the Gleason grade.
A third treatment option is active surveillance, where the doctor closely monitors the patient’s condition. The goal of this treatment is to detect cancers early before they spread. During active surveillance, the patient is given certain exams, such as a PSA test and a transrectal ultrasound. If the cancer is detected during a routine screening, the patient is treated as soon as the cancer has spread to the surrounding areas. Active surveillance is sometimes referred to as “watch and wait” or “expectant management.”
Nutrition plays an important role in prostate cancer treatment. Many nutrients are implicated in the development of the disease. Sections on these nutrients discuss general information, medical research, and recommendations for patients. These nutrients may help reduce the PSA level. If you have prostate cancer, your doctor will discuss the nutrients you should be taking to treat the disease. It may be possible to reduce your PSA level through a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
While the exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown, age is an important risk factor. One in six men will develop invasive prostate cancer during their lifetime. However, not all types of prostate cancer require aggressive treatment. Men with a family history of the disease are at an increased risk of developing it. Black men are also more likely to develop the disease than white men. In fact, black men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer among males. This may be due to genetics and environmental factors.
