What is Prostate Gland
The prostate is a small, rubbery gland roughly the size of a ping-pong ball, situated deep within the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum.
The testicles
The testicles are two small, oval-shaped organs located below the penis, enclosed in a skin pouch called the scrotum.
Image of the testicles (cruk)
Starting from puberty, the testicles begin producing sperm. Inside the testicle, small tubes come together to form the epididymis, a single tube that becomes wider as it exits the testicle. This wider tube is known as the spermatic cord.
The spermatic cord leads to a short passage called the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
Testosterone:
The testicles produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male characteristics such as:- A deeper voice
- Facial hair growth
- Increased muscle mass
- The ability to achieve an erection
- Male sexual drive (libido)
Where does testicular cancer start:
The testicles consist of various cell types, and the kind of cancer you have depends on the specific cell where it begins. Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. Doctors classify germ cell cancers into two main types:- Seminoma
- Non-seminoma
What is Prostate Gland
The prostate is a small, rubbery gland roughly the size of a ping-pong ball, situated deep within the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum. This gland plays a crucial role in reproduction by contributing to seminal fluid (semen), which combines with sperm from the testes. The seminal fluid aids in the movement and survival of sperm.
Learning about the prostate—its normal development and function, its location, and its connections—is essential for understanding how prostate cancer develops and affects a man’s life. Knowledge of these aspects helps in comprehending the impact of cancer growth and the side effects of various treatments.
What is Prostate Cancer:
The prostate gland is situated internally, behind the penis and beneath the bladder, and is exclusive to males. While it is very small at birth, it enlarges after puberty in response to increased levels of the male hormone, testosterone.
Attached to the prostate are structures known as seminal vesicles. These seminal vesicles are responsible for secreting about 60% of the fluid that constitutes male semen, which is the fluid released during ejaculation.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer:
Age: Age is the primary risk factor for prostate cancer, with the likelihood increasing as a man grows older. While prostate cancer is quite uncommon in men under 50, it is still possible for younger men to be affected.
Family History of Prostate Cancer: The risk of prostate cancer increases if a man has a brother or father who has had the disease. The risk becomes even higher with a greater number of first-degree relatives affected, particularly if one was diagnosed before the age of 60. Men with a significant family history of prostate cancer are encouraged to discuss their risk with their GP around the age of 50.
Family history of Breast Cancer: A significant family history of breast cancer in male or female relatives, linked to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (genetic breast cancer), can elevate the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is a growing concern among men of Indian ethnicity, and understanding the risk factors and screening recommendations is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Here are some important points to consider:
Awareness and Education: There is a need for increased awareness and education about prostate cancer in the Indian community. Cultural stigma and lack of knowledge can hinder early diagnosis and treatment. Community outreach and education programs can help bridge this gap.
Diet and exercise: The impact of diet on prostate cancer development is a topic of ongoing debate. Generally, it is believed that maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise fosters overall health and might reduce the risk of various cancers. Recent studies have also indicated that these factors could potentially slow the progression of early-stage prostate cancer in men.
A healthy, balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is generally considered beneficial for health. This diet emphasizes the consumption of less processed meat and more fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
In its early stages, prostate cancer typically does not produce symptoms. Most prostate cancers develop in the outer region of the prostate gland. For symptoms to occur, the cancer must grow large enough to exert pressure on the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the penis.
Image (Ref: cancerresearchuk.org)
Urinary symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, are seldom due to prostate cancer. They are more commonly caused by a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
When prostate cancer has advanced and spread to other parts of the body (advanced or metastatic prostate cancer), it can lead to symptoms including:
– Persistent back or bone pain that doesn’t improve with rest
– Fatigue
– Unexplained weight loss
Daignosis
If you have any symptoms, your first step is usually to visit your GP. They will discuss your symptoms with you and conduct an examination. Based on their findings,
Treatment options
A team of healthcare professionals (multidisciplinary team) will determine your treatment plan. Most people undergo surgery to remove the affected