Prostate cancer faq, or what you need to know but are afraid to ask …

Although you are a man, do you feel uninformed about the prostate? Take it easy – the male gender around the world underestimates the organ involved in the production of seminal fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. Yes, you heard that right! Do you have any more questions? We happen to read your mind …

Are the prostate, prostate and prostate the same?

Yes, these are all synonyms for the odd muscle-glandular organ that is part of the male genitourinary system.

Where is the prostate actually located?

The prostate is located under the bladder. On its posterior side lies the rectum, and the urethra passes through its center. The location in the immediate vicinity of the urinary tract means that all lesions of the prostate gland may be associated with problems in urination.

What is the prostate gland for?

The main function of the prostate is to produce a cloudy, whitish discharge, which is both a means of transport and a source of nutrients for the sperm traveling to the egg.

What are the symptoms that my prostate needs to be checked?

First of all, the increased frequency of urination (more than 7-8 times a day), i.e. pollakiuria, needing to pass urine at night (nocturia), feeling that the bladder is not emptying completely, burning or stinging during voiding, weak urine flow, difficulty starting urination, dripping at the end of urination, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.

How can I tell the difference between the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the symptoms of prostate cancer?

You won’t do it yourself! This is why you should see a urologist who can tell the difference.

When should I make an appointment to see a urologist?

Basic prophylactic examinations and regular visits to the urologist should be entered in their calendar by all men from the age of 45, and those with genetic burden after the age of 40.

What is the diagnosis of prostate diseases?

Contrary to appearances, the technical-urological inspection is not complicated. The first step is to test the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), i.e. the prostate antigen. The PSA test is performed from the patient’s blood, it is a simple, cheap test that is offered by virtually every laboratory in Poland. The next stage is a urological consultation: PSA interpretation and finger examination through the anus (per rectal examination), which allows to assess not only the size of the gland, but its structure and consistency. If the consistency of the prostate is changed and the PSA level is elevated, it is necessary to extend the diagnosis to include imaging tests: ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.

Does rectal examination hurt?

Absolutely not! There is nothing to be afraid of and nothing to be ashamed of. Your urologist also has it behind him! The rectal examination takes only a few minutes, is painless (which does not mean that it is comfortable) and very important. It is it that allows the urologist to detect nodular changes in the prostate and possibly direct the diagnosis towards prostate cancer.

Does an elevated PSA level mean I have prostate cancer?

An elevated PSA result is not synonymous with prostate cancer. High PSA may be the result of non-oncological diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urogenital infections. Nevertheless, it can also be a sign of developing prostate cancer. For this reason, in a situation where the PSA concentration result is abnormal, it is necessary to deepen the diagnosis.

What is a fusion biopsy?

Simply put, it is a combination of the strengths of ultrasound (ultrasound) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a milestone in prostate cancer diagnosis. Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate, in which the radiologist accurately describes the borders of the prostate gland and places suspected of neoplastic growth.

This image is then transferred to the fusion biopsy machine, which during the procedure merges the current ultrasound image with the image described by the radiologist using magnetic resonance imaging. Moving the ultrasound head also shifts the matched MRI image so that the urologist can take the biopsies with extreme accuracy, confined to the area that looks suspicious. After collection, the specimens are transported to the laboratory, where they are subjected to histopathological analysis.

Is prostate cancer a disease of seniors?

This is one of the myths! Although the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, and is most often diagnosed in men over 65, younger people, who are fully social and professionally active, in their 45s and 64s also suffer from the disease. This is confirmed by the data of the National Cancer Registry (NCR), where among middle-aged men (17-1 years) prostate cancer was ex aequo with lung cancer in the first place in terms of incidence, accounting for XNUMX percent. everybody. [XNUMX]

Who is at risk of developing prostate cancer?

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases 2 times if it occurred among the closest relatives – the first degree (brother, father). In cases of inherited disease, prostate cancer may develop 6-7 years earlier than the average and be more aggressive. Experts also emphasize the significant influence of other risk factors: unhealthy diet, obesity, alcohol abuse, smoking, age.

Is prostate cancer a sentence?

No, but you have to get tested. The diagnosis of prostate cancer at an early stage gives a good chance of a full recovery.

What is the treatment of prostate cancer?

In the treatment of prostate cancer, depending on the stage of the disease, the degree of malignancy of the cancer and additional factors (comorbidities, age of the patient), the following are used: surgical treatment (radical prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. In justified cases, you can only actively observe the patient. Importantly: half of the men subjected to the so-called Active surveillance will never require any form of radical treatment and thus avoid the complications that come with it.