Prostate Cancer

DESCRIPTION Prostate cancer involves a malignant tumor growth within the prostate gland.
The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels. When testosterone levels are lowered either by surgical removal of the testicles (castration, orchiectomy) or by medication, prostate cancer can regress. There is no known association with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Prostate cancers are classified or staged based on their aggressiveness and how different they are from the surrounding prostate tissue. There are several different ways to stage tumors; one of the more common is the A-B-C-D staging system (also known as the Whitmore-Jewett system).

• A: tumor not palpable (unable to be felt on physical examination). Usually detected by accident after prostate surgery done for other reasons.
• B: tumor is confined to the prostate and usually detected by physical examination or PSA testing.
• C: extension of tumor beyond the prostate capsule without spread to lymph nodes.
• D: cancer has spread (metastasized) to regional lymph nodes or other parts of the body (bone and lungs for example).

SYNONYMS

• Carcinoma of the prostate
• Cancer - prostate

SYMPTOMS With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms. Additionally, while most of the symptoms listed below can be associated with prostate cancer, they are more likely to be associated with non-cancerous conditions.

• Urinary hesitancy (delayed or slowed start of urinary stream)
• Urinary dribbling, especially immediately after urinating
• Urinary retention
• Pain with urination
• Pain with ejaculation
• Lower back pain
• Pain with bowel movement

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Excessive urination at night
• Incontinence
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Lethargy