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⚕️ Prostate Cancer: Informative Content

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men. It originates in the prostate, a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, which produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Most prostate cancers are slow-growing, but some forms can be aggressive and spread rapidly.

Prostate cancer

🔬 Etiology and Risk Factors

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but it is linked to changes in the DNA of prostate cells, and several non-modifiable and modifiable factors increase the risk:

Age: The risk increases sharply after age 50. Most cases are diagnosed in men over 65.
Family History: Having a close male relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer significantly increases risk.
Race/Ethnicity: African American men have the highest incidence rate and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Genetics: Inherited mutations in genes like $BRCA1$ and $BRCA2$ (also linked to breast and ovarian cancers) are associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

🩺 Detection and Diagnosis

Early detection is key, as localized prostate cancer is highly treatable.

1. Screening Tests

Screening is typically offered to men aged 50 and older who have no symptoms.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells (both normal and cancerous). A high or rapidly rising PSA level may indicate the presence of cancer, but it can also be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or infection.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the back surface of the prostate gland for any hard, lumpy, or abnormal areas.

2. Definitive Diagnosis

If screening tests are abnormal, further diagnostics are performed:

Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) or MRI: Imaging is used to visualize the prostate gland and guide the biopsy procedure. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is increasingly used to identify suspicious areas, often improving the accuracy of the subsequent biopsy.
Prostate Biopsy: This is the only way to confirm cancer. A needle is guided into the prostate to collect small tissue samples, which are then examined by a pathologist.
Gleason Score: Based on the biopsy, the pathologist assigns a Gleason Score (from 6 to 10), which describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. A higher score indicates a more aggressive, poorly differentiated tumor. The score is used to help determine the treatment plan.