What Is Prostate Cancer? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Kovvuru Bhaskar Reddy , Oncologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men and develops in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped organ located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm.

The disease occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the gland for years without causing significant problems, some types are aggressive and can spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.

Early detection and timely treatment play a crucial role in improving outcomes and survival rates. Understanding the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for prostate cancer can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and care.

Types of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is classified based on how the cancer cells grow and spread. The most common types include:

Adenocarcinoma: The most prevalent type, originating in the glandular cells of the prostate.
Small Cell Carcinoma: A rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Developing in the flat cells lining the prostate, this type is less common and tends to grow quickly.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Starts in the urethral cells and may spread to the prostate.
Sarcoma and Neuroendocrine Tumors: Rare forms of prostate cancer with unique characteristics.

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Regular screenings and consultations with specialists can help identify the type and stage of prostate cancer for personalized care.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer symptoms are often not noticeable during the early stages of the disease. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may become more apparent and affect urinary and sexual function.

The advanced stage may show symptoms such as:

Discomfort during urinating
Less force in the stream of urine
Hematuria - Blood in the urine
Bone pain
Blood in the semen
Loss of weight for no reason
Erectile dysfunction
Fatigue

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not always known. However, it begins when mutations occur in the DNA of prostate cells, causing them to grow and multiply abnormally.

DNA Mutations: Changes in the DNA of prostate gland cells trigger abnormal growth.
Uncontrolled Cell Division: Mutated DNA causes cells to grow and divide faster than normal.
Tumor Formation: Accumulated abnormal cells form a mass, called a tumor.
Metastasis: The tumor can spread to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.

When to See a Doctor for Prostate Cancer?

If you experience urinary problems, blood in the urine, pelvic discomfort, or symptoms that affect daily activities, consult a Urologist or oncologist. Early evaluation is important because prostate cancer may progress silently, and advanced disease can require hospitalization and more intensive treatment.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, or frequent urination, especially at night.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Persistent pelvic pain, back pain, or unexplained weight loss.

Get medical help immediately if:

Sudden inability to urinate or severe urinary retention.
Severe bone pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs.
Heavy bleeding in the urine or symptoms causing significant distress.

These could be signs of a serious complication like Prostate Cancer, which needs urgent care.

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How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing prostate cancer involves a combination of screening tests, imaging studies, and laboratory evaluations to determine the presence and extent of cancer.

If the doctor suspects cancer of the prostate gland, he or she will enquire about related prostate problems such as urinary or sexual issues and other risk factors like family history.

Following are the screening tests for prostate cancer that would be recommended to diagnose the condition.

PSA Blood Test: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is done to evaluate the PSA levels, the proteins produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): It is a routine screening test to monitor a patient's lower rectum, pelvis, and lower abdomen. This test can help a doctor check a prostate gland's health.
Biopsy Test: A prostate biopsy test is done to remove tissue samples from the prostate gland for microscopic examination.
Ultrasound Scan (USG Scan): Prostate ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of a prostate gland and find any abnormal mass in the organ.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) scan can help the doctor detect prostate gland malignancy and its capacity to grow.

What Are the Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer treatment depends on the stage of cancer, the patient's age, overall health, and whether the cancer has spread. Treatment aims to remove or control the cancer while maintaining quality of life.

Prostate cancer treatment methods include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and active surveillance. Effective prostate cancer management requires a personalized approach based on the cancer stage and overall health.

Prostate Cancer Surgery

Radical Prostatectomy: A radical prostatectomy is recommended for prostate cancer patients whose cancer is in its initial phase. This operation may not be suitable if the malignancy has spread outside the prostate gland.
Types of Radical Prostatectomy are:
- Retropubic prostatectomy
- Perineal prostatectomy
- Laparoscopic prostatectomy
- Robotic prostatectomy
Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy): Radiation therapy is recommended in patients whose cancer is in its early stage or if surgery is not an option.
Radiotherapy can be done with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or by implanting radioactive seeds (brachytherapy).
Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Hormone therapy or androgen suppression therapy helps decrease male hormone levels, called androgens, or inhibit them from increasing prostate cancer cells.
Cryotherapy: Cryoablation or cryotherapy uses a special probe to freeze and kill malignant cells.
Chemotherapy: This therapy may be a treatment option for curing metastasized prostate cancer and also treats cancers that do not respond to hormonal therapy.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy stimulates a patient's immune system to attack cancer cells. One such vaccine is sipuleucel-T (Provenge).
Targeted Drug Therapy: Targeted drug treatments aim to treat certain abnormalities of malignant cells. This therapy is indicated to manage advanced or recurrent prostate cancer cases.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?

Certain factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Understanding these risk factors may help with early screening and prevention.

Risks for prostate cancer include the following factors:

Older Age: The risk of cancer increases in old age.
Family History: If parents or any close relative had prostate cancer, the chances of getting this cancer also increase.
Obesity: Obese people may have a higher risk of this cancer than people with healthy weight.

What Are the Complications of Prostate Cancer?

If left untreated or in advanced stages, prostate cancer can lead to several complications that affect overall health and quality of life.

Complications of prostate cancer include:

Urinary Incontinence: Prostate cancer and its treatment can lead to urinary incontinence.
Prostate Cancer Metastasizes: Prostate cancer cells can spread to the surrounding organs, such as the urinary bladder, or get transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other body parts.
Erectile Dysfunction: The dysfunction is due to the cancer or its treatment methods such as surgery, radiation or hormonal treatments.

How Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, adopting a healthy lifestyle and attending regular screenings may help reduce the risk and support early detection.

Maintain a healthy body weight.
Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Attend routine prostate cancer screenings, especially if you have a family history of the disease.

What is it Like Living With Prostate Cancer?

Living with prostate cancer requires regular follow-up care, adherence to treatment plans, and lifestyle adjustments. Many men continue to lead active lives with proper treatment and support. Managing treatment side effects, maintaining physical activity, and seeking emotional support can improve quality of life and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can prostate cancer be cured?

Yes. Prostate cancer can often be cured when diagnosed and treated early. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or active surveillance, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.

2. What is the life expectancy of prostate cancer?

Life expectancy varies based on the stage of cancer, overall health, and response to treatment. Many men with localized prostate cancer have excellent long-term survival and may live a normal lifespan.

3. Is prostate cancer serious?

Yes. Prostate cancer is a serious condition that requires medical evaluation and treatment. While many cases grow slowly, some can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body if not treated.

4. How can prostate cancer be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, but maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol may help reduce the risk.

5. What does prostate cancer management involve?

Management may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments based on individual needs.

6. Why is early detection important for prostate cancer treatment?

Early detection improves treatment outcomes and increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular screening and prompt evaluation of symptoms can help identify prostate cancer at an earlier stage.

7. What are the early warning signs of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer may not cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, and pelvic discomfort.

8. What causes prostate cancer?

The exact cause is not fully understood. Risk factors include increasing age, family history, inherited genetic mutations, obesity, and certain lifestyle factors.

9. Can prostate cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Yes. Advanced prostate cancer can spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, bones, and other organs. Bone metastasis is one of the most common complications of advanced disease.

10. What is the survival rate for prostate cancer?

The survival rate is very high when prostate cancer is detected early and remains confined to the prostate. Survival decreases when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

11. Is prostate cancer hereditary?

Some cases are hereditary. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 may have a higher risk of developing the disease.

12. Can prostate cancer return after treatment?

Yes. Prostate cancer can recur after treatment. Regular follow-up appointments, PSA testing, and medical monitoring help detect recurrence early and guide further treatment if needed.