• 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]
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