Medicues Diseases & Conditions

Prostate Cancer

Definition
· Prostate Cancer is the disease of cancer of the prostate gland.

Overview
· Prostate Cancer is the most common form of cancer found in men in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death in men.
· Prostate Cancer can be detected with:
· blood test: PSA (prostate specific antigen)
· physical examination of the prostate gland

· Prostate Cancer risk factors include:
· family member with prostate cancer
· high dietary fat intake

Symptoms
· Prostate Cancer symptoms include:
· difficulty urinating
· incomplete emptying of the bladder
· blood in urine or semen
· nodule or swelling of the prostate gland
· back pain

Complications
· Prostate Cancer complications include metastatic spread of the disease

Treatment
· Medications that stop the production of testosterone
· Surgical resection of the prostate gland
· Radiation

References
Albertsen PC et al. 20-year outcomes following conservative management of clinically localized prostate cancer. JAMA. 2005 May 4;293(17):2095-101. [PMID: 15870412]
Hernandez J et al. Prostate-specific antigen: a review of the validation of the most commonly used cancer biomarker. Cancer. 2004 Sep 1;101(5):894-904. [PMID: 15329895]

Important Notice

This document is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting your physician.

Updated March 1st 2009

Medicues Diseases & Conditions
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