06 January 2024

Causes and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland, which prevents this male reproductive organ from functioning optimally.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that is quite commonly experienced by elderly men. However, it is also possible for prostate cancer to occur in younger men.

The cause of prostate cancer is genetic mutations in the cells within the prostate gland that grow abnormally and become malignant. In addition, several factors can increase the risk of prostate cancer, including:

• Being over 50 years old
• Having a family history of prostate cancer
• Obesity
• An unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Having had a vasectomy
• Exposure to hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals
• A history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis, HPV, gonorrhea, and others

Some symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Weak urine flow
• Difficulty holding urine
• Presence of blood in semen or urine
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• A burning sensation and pain in the penis during ejaculation or urination

The examinations for diagnosing prostate cancer are as follows:

• PSA blood test: Examination of PSA protein levels produced by the prostate gland.
• Prostate ultrasound: Examination of the prostate gland using an ultrasound device with high-frequency sound waves.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate: Examination of the prostate gland using radio waves and magnets.
• Prostate biopsy: Taking a tissue sample from the prostate gland for observation.

Common treatments for prostate cancer performed by doctors include:

• Surgery: Removing cancer cells through surgical procedures.
• Radiotherapy: Using radiation therapy to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Treating prostate cancer with medication.

Additionally, cancer patients are usually advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle to ensure smooth treatment.

Reviewed by : Dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source : Siloam Hospital Health Article

Photo : freepik.com