Saturday, August 23, 2008

As Many As 9 Out Of 10 Of Men Will Suffer From An Enlarged Prostate

As Many As 9 Out Of 10 Of Men Will Suffer From An Enlarged Prostate
By Donald Saunders

Health problems inevitably begin to develop as we get older and one problem which you are very unlikely to escape if you live long enough is that of an enlarged prostate.

The problem in normally first seen in men once they pass the age of 45, although it can occasionally appear at earlier ages, and you will have about a 50 percent chance of developing an enlarged prostate by the age of 60. Once passed the age of 60 the odds of developing the condition increase substantially and, by the age of 80, your chances of suffering from an enlarged prostate will be as high as 90 percent.

The prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder and forms part of the male reproductive system, grows rapidly during puberty and by the time a man reaches maturity it weighs about one ounce and is roughly the size of a walnut. What it often not realized however is that this is not the end of its growth and the prostate gland will then continue to grow very slowly throughout the rest of a man's life.

However, in middle age cell growth typically begins to accelerate in one particular area of the prostate gland which partially surrounds the urethra, which is responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body.

Initially this accelerated growth of cells, which are non-cancerous, is still relatively slow and many men will experience no symptoms at all from it, or the symptoms will be so slight that they will be dismissed as simple a case of 'getting older'.

In time however, as the prostate gland continues to enlarge, it will start to pinch the urethra interrupting the flow of urine from the bladder and the symptoms of the problem will begin to become evident. At first these will not be painful, or even particularly discomforting, but they will become increasingly irritating as you begin to experience difficulty in urinating, the need to get up during the night to visit the bathroom and perhaps the embarrassing tendency to continue to dribble urine even after you have visited the bathroom.

At this point, if you have not already done so as part of your routine and regular medical screening, you should consult your doctor not simply to seek treatment for your enlarged prostate but also so that you can be screened for the possibility of any underlying and developing signs of prostate cancer.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information about the problem of an enlarged prostate and covers everything from its symptoms and treatment to the therapeutic application of prostate milking

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?As-Many-As-9-Out-Of-10-Of-Men-Will-Suffer-From-An-Enlarged-Prostate&id=655250

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

What You Must Know If You Suspect Prostate Cancer From A Nurse

What You Must Know If You Suspect Prostate Cancer - From A Nurse
By Helen Hecker

Men have traditionally been less likely to seek medical attention than women, especially for minor problems which often serve as warning signs for more serious underlying illness. The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm. Prostate cancer is deadly but can be cured if it's caught early enough.

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate cancer is normally a slow growth cancer that can take years before it becomes deadly. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor of the prostate gland.

One prostate cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine. Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs are often symptoms of cancer. Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for.

Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. If you have one or more prostate cancer symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the PSA enzyme in your blood for abnormalities. Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

What is called a free PSA may help tell the difference between BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), an enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostate cancer. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there's a spread of cancer. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not.

Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. The approaches to treatment include: ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms. Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you're taking and how often and how long they're taken.

In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor. The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation.

Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is picking the best treatment for you.

Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire. If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative.

Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.

With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms. Consider articles, such as this one, just a starting point where you can begin to learn about prostate cancer. Just about all men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after their diagnosis, 93% survive at least 10 years, and 67% survive more than 15 years.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Must-Know-If-You-Suspect-Prostate-Cancer---From-A-Nurse&id=509233

An Inside Look at Prostate Cancer Cures In The Various Forms Of Treatments Available As Therapy

An Inside Look at Prostate Cancer Cures In The Various Forms Of Treatments Available As Therapy
By Tim Gorman

Prostate cancer cures lay in the various forms of treatments available as therapy for the disease.

Common Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Radiation, hormone therapy, radical prostatecomy, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy, which seeks to destroy cancer cells by freezing them, are amongst the most common treatments for prostate cancer, and the closet modern medicine has come to finding prostate cancer cures.

Radiation for prostate cancer treatment involves the use of external-beam radiation therapy, and radioactive seed implants.

Prostate cancer hormone therapy implements the use of drugs to stop the biological production of male sex hormones. Androgens are male sex hormones that have been clinical linked to the development of prostate cancer when produced in excess.

Radical prostatecomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. There are two radical prostatecomy surgical procedures available, retropubic surgery, and perineal surgery. The retropubic surgery removes the prostate gland through an incision placed below the navel. The perineal surgery features an incision for removal placed between the anus and scrotum.

Conventional Prostate Cancer Medications

Luteinizing hormone-releasing analogs (LHRH) are designed to lower testosterone levels. Such prostate cancer medications are administered via injections and can be given monthly or every three, six, or nine months. Many metastases (with the cancer spreading outside of the prostate gland) prostate cancer patients opt for this round of prostate cancer treatments as opposed to a surgical removal of their testicles.

Plenaxis is the newest LHRH antagonists. The drug works to lower testosterone but does not cause a sharp rise in testosterone levels before taking affect, as LHRH analogs do. LHRH antagonists can only be used in men who are not able to use other forms of hormonal treatment. Abarelix, Lupron, Zoladex, Eulexin, and Casodex are other common types of LHRH antagonists.

Finding Prostate Cancer Cures Through Clinical Trials

Clinical trials serves as one way of finding prostate cancer cures. All prostate cancer medications must take pass the three phases required to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Phase I of the clinical trials test the safety of a new drug. The second clinical phase is designed to determine how the proposed new prostate cancer treatment works. Patients are given the drug in high doses during this phase. The patients are watched to see what effect the test drug has on their prostate cancer. The final phase of clinical trial testing pits test medications against standard treatments. A control group is given dosages of the test drug while a second group uses standard methods of medicine-with the effects documented.

For more information on prostate cancer cures please visit http://www.onlineprostatehealthguide.com, a popular website that provides prostate cancer related tips, advice and resources to include information on the prostate gland, Gleason scores and prostate cancer symptoms.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TimGorman
http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Inside-Look-at-Prostate-Cancer-Cures-In-The-Various-Forms-Of-Treatments-Available-As-Therapy&id=440856

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

An Effective Prostate Cancer Treatment Option

An Effective Prostate Cancer Treatment Option
By Abbie Frank

If you've been told that you have prostate cancer, then you've probably had The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, been physically checked and probably have already had a biopsy performed. Once all this has established your condition, your cancer is then assigned a score.

These scores determine what stage your cancer has progressed. During the biopsy, the lab will assign what's called a Gleason score helps the doctor in determining what stage your prostate cancer is currently in. The appropriateness of any treatment is dependant on the advancement of your prostate cancer. Staging and the Gleason score will help determine which treatment program is right for you.

While a prostate cancer is considered serious, don't forget that it's typically very slow growing. If your cancer has progressed to the stage where intervention is necessary, a procedure known as Brachytherapy may be in order.

Simply put, radioactive material is sealed in small seeds or pellets that are placed directly around a prostate tumor. It is also called an internal radiation or implant radiation. There's no question that this treatment program is effective and does a good job in controlling prostate cancer

Internal radiotherapy or Brachytherapy is usually the recommended prostate cancer treatment when the cancer has dangerously spread beyond the prostate gland of victims. The major benefit of this radiation treatment strategy is that it will help to spare healthy nearby tissues. This in turn will limit the side effects experienced.

This type of treatment plan is not available in all hospitals. Most larger towns and cities however have nuclear medicine options available. Given the high success rate of this prostate cancer treatment, it's well worth your time to locate health resources that specialize in this type of program

Remember that just because you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it's not a death sentence. Many people with prostate cancer have followed their doctors advice and went with a treatment known simply as watchful waiting. As the name implies, watchful waiting is a situation where no direct action is taken to treat the prostate cancer. The reason for this is to maintain the quality of life for as long as possible. Direct intervention plans such as Brachytherapy are not without their risks and side effects.

Watchful waiting may be an appropriate course of action for your prostate cancer depending on your age and other factors. Only you and your doctor can determine what treatment program is right for you.

Abigail Franks has written many articles on the subject of prostate cancer. On her site you can find out about the best Prostate Cancer Treatments and Prostate Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AbbieFrank
http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Effective-Prostate-Cancer-Treatment-Option&id=464641

What You Must Know To Make An Informed Decision About Prostate Cancer Treatments

What You Must Know To Make An Informed Decision About Prostate Cancer Treatments
By Helen Hecker

Detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly: most men will never know they have the condition. Prostate cancer is deadly but can be cured if it's caught early enough.

At an advanced age, the risks of surgery for prostate cancer or other more radical treatments may actually be worse than the disease. It's estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with it this year, and approximately 27,350 will die of the disease. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.

One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. Because symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms.

The decision about whether to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis.

There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. What is called a free PSA may help tell the difference between BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), an enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostate cancer. A prostate biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis.

Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often.

Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor.

In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office.

Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread. Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues.

What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire.

Just about all men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after their diagnosis, 93% survive at least 10 years, and 67% survive more than 15 years.

As new research comes out adjust your treatment options accordingly. Because it's a slow-growing disease, many men with this disease will die from other causes before they die from prostate cancer.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Must-Know-To-Make-An-Informed-Decision-About-Prostate-Cancer-Treatments&id=531144

What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer

What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer
By Helen Hecker

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S. Men younger than 40 are rarely ever diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is deadly but can be cured if it's caught early enough. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly: most men will never know they have it.

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.

There may be other symptoms not mentioned here. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. There are several symptoms to be aware of.

Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there's a spread of cancer. One downside to PSA testing is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have caused the patient any harm. Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor.

A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the PSA enzyme in your blood for abnormalities. A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine.

The approaches to treatment include: ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms. In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.

Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments.

Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation.

Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is picking the best treatment for you. In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative.

Radiation therapy is used primarily to treat prostate cancers classified as stages A, B, or C. If chemotherapy is decided upon, after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Being treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy is something to think through carefully and know that you have the option to refuse them.

If you've already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, pick the option that's best suited to you and your continuing good health. As new research comes out you can adjust your treatment options accordingly. Just about all men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after their diagnosis, 93% survive at least 10 years, and 67% survive more than 15 years.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Should-Know-About-Prostate-Cancer&id=512728

Monday, August 18, 2008

Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatment Alleviate Under Experts

Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatment - Alleviate Under Experts
By Judy Wellsworth

A lot of men are going for alternative treatments in order to cure or heal their medical condition. Some prostate cancer patients do this. Several alternative treatments include supplementation of herbs, go through therapies, practice yoga, undergo massage and a lot more as long as they are claimed to be effective cure against the illness. A chosen alternative prostate cancer treatment by an individual is taken on immediately in accompaniment of existing doctors' prescriptions and proper handling.

There are many vast reasons in using alternative prostate cancer treatments. They may range from the cost viewpoint between using proper medical medications and using alternative methods of treatment to the hope of obtaining the miracle wonders done by these alternative treatments. There is one big difference between traditional medications and alternative treatments, the promise of cure and those who claim it. Traditional medications only have moderate declaration of effectiveness while alternative prostate cancer treatment choices are glorified with claims. They may be true or not but certainly have major stimulation on one's mind and behavior.

How to Use Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatment:

Alternative prostate cancer treatment by using dietary supplements or herbs such as garlic and saw palmetto has been utilized by many believers. Serenoa repens or Saw palmetto has been widely tested by researchers and the results are promising. They have found out that it prevents testosterone from breaking down in another form of the hormone associated with prostate tissue growth. This herbal alternative against prostate cancer does work slowly with recuperation in urinary symptoms within 1 to 3 months of treatment. The claims, especially of saw palmetto, are astounding especially in Europe and in US. Saw palmetto, since the widespread of its effectiveness, has started to gain a strong following and believer of most prostate cancer patients.

Another alternative prostate cancer treatment is by taking in daily supplements of Vitamin D, Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and other antioxidants. Having a strong immune system delays the progress of the cancer, if not to cure the disease.

Yoga and tai chi are also practiced for relaxing one's mind, remain stress-free and release the negative energy of one's body. Learning how to relax and being able to control emotions through yoga and tai chi claims to lessen, if not eliminate, the negative energy's hormonal effects to one's body.

Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatment: An Experts Choice

Prostate cancer patients should ask for their doctor's advice before undergoing such alternative treatments popularly known for their claims of effectiveness. If one is engaged in any of the alternative prostate cancer treatment, tell you doctor about. These alternative treatments can cause another set of health problems on your side if they happen to have a negative reaction with medications prescribed the doctor. If this happens, you just made matters worse for your health and complications may occur from it.

Undergoing alternative prostate cancer treatment may be convenient, tempting and may have more claims or assurance, but do so if your doctor gave you the go signal for it. Doctors have much more experience and they are in the better position to assess your medical condition, and analyze such alternative prostate cancer treatments if any should apply for your situation. If you thought that alternative prostate cancer treatments might just work wonders for your condition, seek professional specialist advice so that proper medical approach could be given to you. Never risk your health.

You can also find more info on Prostate Cancer Detection And Treatment and Prostate Cancer New Treatment. Prostatecancertreatmenthelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about prostate cancer treatment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JudyWellsworth
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-Prostate-Cancer-Treatment---Alleviate-Under-Experts&id=656347

Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatment

Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatment
By Milos Pesic

Many men are opting for what is called Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) Treatments. This includes supplementation, the use of herbs, therapies, yoga, massage, etc. An alternative prostate cancer treatment available to an individual is taken on immediately in complementing existing doctors prescriptions, or entirely to make full use of, in lieu of conventional treatments.

Reasons may range from the cost standpoint of the use of alternative prostate cancer treatment, and on the hope of the wonders of such. While conventional medications are usually of conservative claims, the alternative prostate cancer treatment options are hyped-up with claims, which may be true or not, but surely they have major effects on ones psyche.

An alternative prostate cancer treatment as the use of dietary supplements or herbs as saw palmetto, and garlic have been used by many. The claims, especially of saw palmetto, are very popular especially in Europe. In the US, saw palmetto has started to gain a strong following and believer of its efficacy.

As an alternative prostate cancer treatment, some also take in supplementation of Vitamin D, Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and other antioxidants. The belief is to have a strong immune system to delay the progress of the cancer, if not to cure the disease.

Others may also make use of yoga and tai chi for relaxing of the mind, and to keep one from being stressed. One will be able to learn how to relax, and control emotions especially negative ones that are believed to cause hormonal effects that may be not good for ones system.

Individuals though should ask for their doctors advice, before going into any alternative prostate cancer treatment. Or if one may already be in any of the alternative prostate cancer treatment options, it is best to be honest with your doctor about it. One should not hide such alternative treatment you have self-prescribed.

The risks and side effects of these alternative treatments, especially with its reaction to other medications you may be taking, can pose health issues on your end. You might just be complicating your situation and creating more health problems than you would want.

An alternative prostate cancer treatment may be convenient and may hold more promise, but do so under the guidance and supervision of your doctor. They are in the better position to evaluate your case, and analyze such alternative treatments if any should be fit for your situation. Never risk on your health, and while an alternative prostate cancer treatment may just work wonders for you, ask expert advice so that yours could be given the appropriate approach.

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Prostate Cancer and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Prostate Cancer web site. For more articles and resources on Prostate Cancer related topics, treatment options and much more visit his site at:

=>http://prostate.need-to-know.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MilosPesic
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-Prostate-Cancer-Treatment&id=509843

Why Are Enlarged Prostate Symptoms So Often Ignored?

Why Are Enlarged Prostate Symptoms So Often Ignored?
By Donald Saunders

It's a sad fact that most men are into their seventies before prostate cancer is diagnosed, by which time the disease is often well advanced and beyond a cure. This is particularly sad because many men begin to experience enlarged prostate symptoms in their forties and fifties and simply choose to ignore them.

In many cases of course an enlarged prostate is not a problem and, if it does become a problem, then it can be treated without presenting any real threat. In addition, an enlarged prostate is often simply something of an inconvenience which many men feel that they can live with quite happily, so why bother the doctor. The problem of course is that, although not connected, cancer can develop alongside an enlarging prostate and, as a normally very slow growing cancer, it can be easily masked by enlarged prostate symptoms.

One answer, although somewhat controversial, would be to make screening for prostate cancer a routine procedure for men in their forties, or certainly in their fifties.

Prostate screening comes in a variety of different forms but the first line of screening is normally a digital rectal examination, or DRE. This is a simple examination in which the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate gland to gauge its size and to identify any irregularities.

Another less invasive test is the prostate specific antigen, or PSA, test. This is a simple blood test to look for the presence of antigens in the blood which are specific to the prostate. This test will not in itself indicate the presence of cancer but monitoring PSA levels over time will indicate whether or not there is a likelihood of cancer developing and thus whether or not further more specific testing should be undertaken.

To provide a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer a doctor may typically order a cytoscopy and transrectal ultrasonography in the first instant. A cytoscopy allows the doctor to view the urinary tract as it passes through the prostate gland, by using a thin camera inserted through the penis. A transrectal ultrasonography is carried out by inserting a probe into the rectum and creating a picture of the prostate gland using sound waves.

As a final test, and really the only test to definitely confirm the presence of cancer, the doctor may order a biopsy. A typical biopsy will be carried out through the rectum with a number of needles being inserted into different parts of the prostate gland to remove small pieces of tissue for microscopic examination.

There is considerably controversy surrounding the whole subject of prostate screening, much of it political (or economic) rather than medical, but prostate cancer is a serious condition which kills millions of men every year and an early and definitive diagnosis could certainly reduce the annual death rate very considerably.

For more information on enlarged prostate symptoms and prostate cancer cures, please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Are-Enlarged-Prostate-Symptoms-So-Often-Ignored?&id=450513

Sunday, August 17, 2008

All About Milking the Prostate

All About Milking the Prostate
By Joseph Ducat

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects only men. It is a cancer of the prostrate gland, which is found in the male reproductive tract, and is not present in the female body. All men who are in their fifties or older may be at risk for developing prostate cancer. It is one of the leading causes of death by cancer among men; in the United States, prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer in the number of male fatalities caused every year, according to the National Cancer Institute.

However, prostate cancer often goes undiagnosed in its early stages, mainly because it often does not present any symptoms in those who have it. A lot of men who have prostate cancer never get the therapeutic care that they require, and eventually they die from it. If you are concerned that you may contract prostate cancer in the future, you might want to seek out preventative treatments that can lower your risk of getting it. Let us take a look at one of these possible preventative treatments: prostate milking.

Milking the prostate is a technique of stimulating the prostate gland by hand or implement, causing it to ejaculate seminal fluid. In the hand method, someone must insert their fingers in your rectal area in order to milk the prostate. (It is difficult to milk the prostate by yourself, so it is usually done by a partner or a medical professional.) Milking the prostate is also termed by some people as prostate massage.

Here is how it is done: One person must pull on a latex glove, add a little water-based lube on the fingertips, and carefully insert them into your anus. The fingers must feel inwards and upwards, roughly in the direction of your navel, until they are touching the prostate gland, which feels like a small, round bulb of tissue roughly the size of a walnut. At that point, the prostate gland can be massaged gently by rubbing ones fingers back and forth against its sides, being careful not to rub vigorously on its central area where there are sensitive nerves. After a while, the massage should bring about an ejaculation of seminal fluid, often accompanied by sexual stimulation or orgasm. Ejaculation will not always occur, however.

Milking the prostate is not recommended as a method for cases in which the prostate gland is already diseased or has acute prostatitis, since a massage could cause the disease or infection to spread to other areas of the body.

Learn about The Therapeutic Benefits of Prostate Massage and find related tips and information at http://prostatehealthcare.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JosephDucat
http://EzineArticles.com/?All-About-Milking-the-Prostate&id=443941

Advice On The Latest Prostate Cancer Treatments

Advice On The Latest Prostate Cancer Treatments
By Caroline Bourke

Prostate cancer is the most common occurring cancer in men worldwide, and thus is an incredibly serious issue. Prostate cancer is a cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is the size of a large walnut, and it is located just below the bladder and next to the urethra.

Prostate cancer starts in the glandular tissue of the prostate gland, and although the exact cause of this cancer is unknown, what is known is that the cancer most often occurs in men over the age of fifty, with married men for some reason being at much higher risk than single men.

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Although as of yet there is no cure for prostate cancer, there are various prostate cancer treatments that are available to help you. One of the most common prostate cancer treatments is surgery, and surgical removal of the prostate, also known as radical prostatectomy, is available to many men who are suffering from localized prostate cancer.

This surgery involves the removal of the prostate and as well the surrounding tissues, a specified portion of the urethra, and the seminal vesicles. During the surgery when the prostate is being removed, the surgeon will attempt to save the nerves that are surrounding the prostate, those which are responsible for erections. This however is not guaranteed.

External beam radiation is another of the more common prostate cancer treatments, and it is one that is more readily available, and in which beams of high-energy radiation are directed from outside the body towards a target inside of the body. Hormone therapy is yet another of the most popular prostate cancer treatments, and is actually one of the oldest means of treating prostate cancer as well.

Hormone therapy is also known as androgen deprivation therapy, and the point or goal of it is to reduce levels of the male hormones, or androgens, in the body, as these can actually be responsible for helping the disease to spread. Therefore, lowering the levels of these androgens will often make the prostate cancer shrink or at least grow more slowly.

Hormone therapy is typically used in the following situations: if your prostate cancer remains or comes back after treatment with surgery or radiation therapy, as an addition to radiation therapy as initial treatment if you are at high risk for cancer recurrence, before surgery or radiation to try and shrink the cancer to make other treatments more effective, and if you are not able to have surgery or radiation treatments.

The particular type of treatment that you should use for your prostate cancer will be decided by your doctor, and you should never attempt getting involved with any method of treatment without referral from your physician first.

Caroline Bourke is a full time health therapist in Florida. Check out this informative Prostate Health site for more resources and articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CarolineBourke
http://EzineArticles.com/?Advice-On-The-Latest-Prostate-Cancer-Treatments&id=679539

Advanced Prostate Cancer Options For Treatment

Advanced Prostate Cancer - Options For Treatment
By Donald Saunders

Prostate cancer normally develops within the peripheral area of the prostate gland and this initially small area of cancerous tissue cannot be felt on a digital rectal examination (DRE) but is often picked up through a PSA test or an ultrasound examination. At this point prostate cancer is described as being in Stage I or is described as a T1 cancer.

As the cancerous region grows within the prostate it will create abnormalities which can now be felt during a DRE and, at this point, the disease is said to have progressed to Stage II or become a T2 cancer.

In both Stage I and Stage II cancer is confined to the prostate gland and is normally treated surgically, with radiation therapy, with cryosurgery or using ultrasound.

As the cancer continues to grow it will spread into surrounding tissues within the pelvic area and will move into Stage III or be classed as a T3 cancer. Finally, prostate cancer cells will be carried to regions of the body outside of the pelvic area and prostate cancer reaches Stage IV or becomes a T4 cancer. It is these two stages of the disease that are classed as being advanced prostate cancer.

The treatment of advanced prostate cancer is aimed principally at slowing the spread of the disease, providing the best possible quality of life for the patient and extending the patient's life as far as is possible. Although it is possible to cure prostate cancer, particularly in Stage III, the advanced nature of the disease makes this a difficult task and the reality of the situation is that treatment at this point generally represents management of the disease rather than a cure for it.

As prostate cancer cells require male hormones (such as testosterone) to grow, the main form of treatment for advanced prostate cancer is hormone treatment to reduce the production of testosterone.

Hormone therapy may include the use of drugs to reduce testosterone levels in the body or to block the action of testosterone and other male hormones. Treatment options will also include the removal of the testicles (orchiectomy) which produce 95% of the testosterone found in the body.

In some cases of Stage IV cancer hormone therapy may not be effective, or may have only limited results, and patients may require systematic radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

For further information on advanced prostate cancer please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?Advanced-Prostate-Cancer---Options-For-Treatment&id=366375

Saturday, August 16, 2008

A Revolutionary Prostate Operation

A Revolutionary Prostate Operation
By Donald Saunders

The past few years have seen some remarkable advances in a whole range of medical treatments and one such advance has been the introduction of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

For many patients facing a prostate operation laparoscopic surgery, which involves a shorter stay in hospital and a faster recovery, is being seen as an excellent surgical choice and is certainly viewed by many as being preferably to traditional open surgery. But there is a problem with laparoscopic surgery.

Despite all the technology surrounding laparoscopic surgery it is a little bit like working in the dark and there are limitations on the degree to which surgical instruments can be manipulated using this technique. As a result laparoscopic surgery requires considerable training and, while it can be extremely successful in the hands of the right surgeon, without extensive training and practice in this field of surgery the outcome of surgery can often fall far short of the patient's expectation.

Today however the introduction of robotic surgery using the newly developed da Vinci system has truly revolutionized the prostate operation. The da Vinci system combines the benefits of both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery and will undoubtedly change the face of surgery over the next few years.

Operated by a team of two surgeons, the da Vinci system uses a state-of-the-art imaging system giving a 3D picture of the area of the prostate operation making it much easier for the surgeons to see exactly what they are doing. A revolutionary set of new instruments operated from a computerized control console also allow the surgeons a full 360 degree range of movement which can be scaled to allow very small and extremely precise movement when required. The system can even be adjusted to compensate for tremor in the surgeon's hand, allowing surgeons with years of experience but failing dexterity to continue to bring their skill and experience to the operating table.

The introduction of the da Vinci robotic system represents a major step in the world of surgery and provides surgeons with the ability to operate more naturally while at the same time retaining the advantages of minimally invasive surgery pioneered with the introduction of laparoscopic techniques.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for more information on the prostate operation and general information on prostate cancer and finding a prostate cancer cure

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Revolutionary-Prostate-Operation&id=356357

Why You Should Consider a Prostate Cancer PSA Test TODAY

Why You Should Consider a Prostate Cancer PSA Test TODAY
By Abbie Frank

Prostate Cancer kills if allowed to grow. If ever there was a good reason to have a simple blood test, this is it. The Prostate cancer PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test is one of the tests given to determine if cancer cells are present in an otherwise healthy prostate. It is a simple blood test to help doctors diagnose and identify the existence of prostate cancer.

The PSA test, although considered a prostate specific test is not really an absolute definitive test for the cancer. Depending on the research conducted, the PSA test is known to be somewhere between 85 and 95% accurate in identifying prostate cancer.

While an elevated PSA test may suggest the presence of prostate cancer, it's not an absolute. If however you have an elevated result, your doctor will probably want to do additional testing for a more complete and accurate assessment of the potential cancer. The last thing you want to do is to allow prostate cancer to grow beyond the prostate gland.

The good news is that BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, better known as an enlarged prostate can also elevate the PSA test results. Even Prostatitis and Lower Urinary Tract symptoms can show elevated levels of PSA so if you have an elevated test result don't panic! A normal result from a PSA test, doesn't guarantee that your free from cancer, nor does a higher than normal result means you do have cancer

It's critical that you follow your doctor's lead in regard to dealing with the Prostate Specific Antigen test results. The results are an indication in a tool only to develop a complete diagnosis. To complicate matters more, PSA levels can also increase with age. Oh and the relative size of your prostate also plays a factor in interpreting the results.

Remember that as many as two out of three people with elevated the PSA readings DO NOT have a malignancy

Here's a quick list of the benefits and reasons why you should consider getting a PSA test

1. It's possible to detect a cancerous condition before any symptoms are known

2. Early detection catches prostate cancer before it is spread increasing the chances of a complete cure

3. The PSA blood test has been recognized as a contributing factor that has significantly reduced the number of prostate cancer death

The PSA test also delivers a false positive, which is a normal PSA level in about 20% of the time. It is still recognized as a good indicator of potential cancerous conditions and should be taken seriously. A 2005 Harvard study indicated that men having an annual PSA test were almost 3 times LESS likely to die of prostate cancer than men who didn't bother with the test. So the best reason to have the test is that without it, you greatly increase the chances of dying from prostate cancer!

Abigail Franks has written many articles on the subject of prostate cancer. On her site you can find valuable Prostate Cancer Information and more about early detection with Prostate Cancer Tests

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AbbieFrank
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Consider-a-Prostate-Cancer-PSA-Test-TODAY&id=504250

Worried About Getting Prostate Cancer Think Living Foods

Worried About Getting Prostate Cancer -Think Living Foods
By Helen Hecker

Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. Simply put, cancer that grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly; most men will never even know they have the condition.

Men at higher risk for prostate cancer include African-American men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium; the lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat who reach the age of 80. Detected in its early stages, it can be effectively treated and cured. About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 have prostate cancer.

One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate, get checked right away. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions.

If you have one or more symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another symptom.

A prostate gland biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there's a spread of cancer.

There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread).

What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often.

Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis.

The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. An oncologist, a cancer specialist, will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost. If you're not already doing so, make a serious effort to watch your diet closely. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.

Make smoothies with fruit only, using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost. Making ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. Buy lacinato kale and juice it in your juicer with sweet carrots.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts (soak them overnight first), raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs. Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your daily dark green salad.

The one thing that you should not do however is rely on information obtained from the Internet to make your final decision; double-check everything. If you do choose invasive conventional treatment, you can always change your diet and do non-invasive natural treatments too. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Worried-About-Getting-Prostate-Cancer--Think-Living-Foods&id=546743

Friday, August 15, 2008

Worried About Prostate Cancer? Nurse's Report

Worried About Prostate Cancer? - Nurse's Report
By Helen Hecker

You may have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and don't know what to do; the first thing to do is not to panic. Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is characterized by 'grade' and 'stage'; grade is given to indicate how quickly a cancer is growing -- the higher the grade, the more likely it is that the cancer will grow and spread rapidly and the size and extent of the tumor will determine its stage.

The male hormone testosterone contributes to the growth of cancer. Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs are often symptoms of cancer. Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. One prostate cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. One symptom is a need to urinate frequently, especially at night. There may be other symptoms not mentioned here.

Your doctor may use either one or two of the most common tests for prostate cancer detection. A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer. A prostate biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis.

Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells.

The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Impotence is a potential complication after the prostatectomy or after radiation therapy. If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office.

An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments.

What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed.

Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is picking the best treatment for you. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure. In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor.

Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all.

Just about all men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after their diagnosis, 93% survive at least 10 years, and 67% survive more than 15 years. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms. If you've already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, pick the option that's best suited to you and your continuing good health.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthtips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Worried-About-Prostate-Cancer?---Nurses-Report&id=482795

You Do What It Takes To Keep In Shape But What Do You Do To Keep Your Prostate In Shape!

You Do What It Takes To Keep In Shape, But What Do You Do To Keep Your Prostate In Shape!
By Jonathan G. Michel

This year, approximately 234,460 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and approximately 27,350 will die as a result of the disease.--Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prostate Cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst men in the United States and Canada, other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths of men after lung cancer...So now do you understand why you must take control of your prostate!

Maintaining prostate health is a major concern for men 40 and over in North America. Despite this, many men are reluctant to broach the subject with their physicians. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably. When caught and treated early, prostate cancer has a cure rate of over 90%.

The prostate is a small, squishy gland about the size of a walnut that sits under the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, the narrow tube that runs the length of the penis and that carries both urine and semen out of the body, runs directly through the prostate; the rectum, or the lower end of the bowel, sits just behind the prostate and the bladder.

Sitting just above the prostate are the seminal vesicles, two little glands that secrete about 60% of the substances that makes up semen; running alongside and attached to the sides of the prostate are the nerves that control erectile function.

Have you noticed any of these symptoms?

* Increased urinary urgency and frequency - especially at night?
* Voiding slow, incomplete and sometimes painful or burning?
* Decreased sexual activity and occasional impotence?
* Lack of bladder control - incontinence?

Rate your prostate health

Find out now...with the following assessment survey: This survey was developed by the American Urological Association (AUA) and is currently the standard test to determine urinary health.

Prostate Symptom Survey

For questions 1 - 6, score 0 for not at all; score 1 for less than 1 time in 5; score 2 for less than half the time; 3 for about half the time; 4 for more than half the time; and 5 for almost always. Score Yourself.

Over the past month or so, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?

Over the past month or so, how often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating?

Over the past month or so, how often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?

Over the past month or so, how often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?

Over the past month or so, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?

Over the past month or so, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?

Over the past month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate - from the time you went to bed at night - until the time you got up in the morning? (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)

Scoring:The sum of the answer scores gives us a better idea of the prostate condition as follows:

1 - 7 = Mild 8 - 18 = Moderate 19 - 35 = Severe

If your score shows that you should be more concerned about your prostate health... What are your options?

Phytotherapeutic agents (herbs) represent nearly half of all the products dispensed for supporting prostate health in Italy; in Germany and Austria phytotherapy is the first choice for prostate support. ...Do they know something we don't?

================================================
Learn why so many men have turned to phytotherapeutic agents to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. This combined to maintaining a strong immune system is the key to avoiding many types of cancers. Learn more, you owe it to yourself.Copyright 2006 http://www.cancer-help-treatment.com
================================================

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JonathanG.Michel
http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Do-What-It-Takes-To-Keep-In-Shape,-But-What-Do-You-Do-To-Keep-Your-Prostate-In-Shape!&id=347624

Prostate Cancer Your Quick Guide

Prostate Cancer - Your Quick Guide
By Helen Hecker

The prostate gland is located just beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. Although one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, only one man in 34 will die of the disease. About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 will have prostate cancer.

Most men younger than 40 are rarely ever diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is normally a very slow growth cancer that can take many years before it becomes deadly. The most common cancer in American men, that is excluding skin cancer, is prostate cancer.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate. There are several other symptoms that may not be mentioned here.

Because prostate cancer symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs are often symptoms of cancer. One prostate cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

Your doctor may use either one or two of the most common tests for prostate cancer detection. One downside to PSA testing is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have caused the patient any harm. There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer.

A chest x-ray may be done to see if there is a spread of cancer. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer.

Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire. Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs.

Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor. Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary.

Prostate cancer that has metastasized may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. The approaches to treatment include: ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms. Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is picking the best treatment for you.

Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options.

What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative.

As new research comes out adjust your treatment your options accordingly. Just about all men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after their initial diagnosis, 93% survive at least 10 years, and 67% survive more than 15 years. In the end, only you with the help of your doctors, knowing your individual situation, can determine the best treatment program for you.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Prostate-Cancer---Your-Quick-Guide&id=507987

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Your Guide To Prostate Cancer And Natural Treatment

Your Guide To Prostate Cancer And Natural Treatment
By Helen Hecker

If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you're looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait. Prostate cancer is simply a malignant tumor of the prostate gland.

Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only one man in 34 will die of the disease. The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm.

Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. There are a few symptoms to be aware of. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions.

The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another symptom. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here. Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.

A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. One downside to PSA testing is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have caused the patient any harm. A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine, which may or may not be related.

CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The decision about whether to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor.

Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed.

Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has metastasized (spread). If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments.

In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative.

Urinary incontinence can be one of the possible complications of surgery. An oncologist, a cancer specialist, will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs.

Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure. Radiation therapy is used primarily to treat prostate cancers classified as stages A, B, or C.

Many men have lowered their PSA levels by eating a diet of living foods. Concentrating on a diet of predominately fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement in your health within 30 days. Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question their value when not contained in food; it's clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly.

Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your daily dark green salad. For an easy fiber boost, mix in two tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds in raw applesauce, from 2-3 apples, made in your food processor. Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 -- the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and sub-lingual -- dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 - especially if you can't get a daily dose of 15 to 20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

If possible eliminate all hormone-containing foods like meat and dairy from your diet. For natural treatment for the prostate make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. Buy lacinato kale and juice it in your juicer with sweet carrots.

Make sure to read everything you can about natural and conventional treatment online and offline. Consider sites, such as this one, just a starting point where you can begin to learn more about prostate cancer. If you've already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, essential the option that's best suited to you and your continuing good health.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Guide-To-Prostate-Cancer-And-Natural-Treatment&id=555377

A Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Can Save Your Life

A Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Can Save Your Life
By Abbie Frank

If you experience certain symptoms like frequent night urination, blood in your urine or semen, pains in your lower back, in your pelvis or in your upper thighs all this could be symptoms of prostatitis, a non cancerous swelling of the prostate gland or it could be prostate cancer.

Now there's no need to panic but the fact is that many who choose to ignore signs and symptoms condemn themselves to living with the uncertainty. This has to be worse than actually being diagnosed and knowing if you have prostate cancer or not.

For those who want to continue living, you need to undergo a prostate cancer diagnosis to determine if indeed you have prostate cancer and what can be done to cure it and save your life. There are several stages to prostate cancer and the farther along you let it go without treatment, the more at risk you are of dying due to cancer.

When you discover the symptoms you shouldn't just throw in the towel but try to see what you need to do about it. First, check with your doctor to conduct screening tests of prostate cancer for you. If you've followed previous advice, you no doubt have a baseline PSA test and previous physical tests to begin your diagnosis.

Yet another digital rectal examination (DRE) to check for size and texture of your prostate through the rectal lining but you should know the drill by now. Now's also not time to get sensitive concerning the test. With this examination your doctor can tell if cancer is present in your prostate by checking to see if he can feel a nodule or other types of prostate irregularity.

Next, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test will be done and compared with previous results. This test is used to measure the levels of a protein in the blood called prostate-specific antigen. This protein is usually overproduced by prostate cancer cells. So, if prostate cancer is present, there will be an increase of PSA levels in the blood of the victim. Be aware that this isn't completely accurate though is a good indicator.

If after these screening tests cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be performed. Here, a biopsy is used to gain a tissue sample from the prostate to be examined under a microscope. This biopsy tissue analysis is performed to determine the Gleason score or if the tumor is cancerous or not.

At this point, you and your doctor have a good idea IF you have cancer and at what stage it has developed. It's at this point that a strategy for beating prostate cancer is development and options are discussed.

Be aware that in the great majority of cases, the symptoms are caused by prostatitis and are not cancerous. The point however is why anyone would want to stay in denial and think they have cancer instead of going in and getting an accurate diagnosis of the situation. Besides, there are mediations now available to treat prostatitis and help alleviate many of the most common symptomatic complaints

Abigail Franks has written many articles on the subject of prostate cancer. On her site you can find Prostate Cancer information and more about early detection with Prostate Cancer tests

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AbbieFrank
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Prostate-Cancer-Diagnosis-Can-Save-Your-Life&id=446253

A New Drug Can Extend The Life Of Some Men With Advanced Prostate Cancer

A New Drug Can Extend The Life Of Some Men With Advanced Prostate Cancer
By Donald Saunders

Although we are beginning, largely as a result of education, to detect more cases of prostate cancer in their early stages, unfortunately all too many cases are still not being detected until they are quite advanced.

Advanced prostate cancer refers to a cancer which has spread outside of the prostate gland itself and is divided into stage 3 cancer, in which the disease has spread into the pelvic tissue surrounding the prostate gland, and stage 4 cancer, in which the disease has spread, or metastasized, into other areas of the body, typically being carried by the lymphatic system.

Although not easy, stage 3 prostate cancer can often be treated quite effectively and it is possible to cure prostate cancer in stage 3. Once the disease has reached stage 4 however it becomes very difficult to cure and, while a cure is sometimes possible, treatment (typically the removal of the testes, to starve the cancer of testosterone, and chemotherapy) is generally aimed at managing the condition by slowing the progression of the disease and providing the patient with the best possible quality of life.

To this end, recent clinical trials have been examining the use of a drug called Pertuzumab and initial results suggest that this drug may well be effective in extending the life of many men suffering from advanced prostate cancer.

Amongst a small study group of men with advanced prostate cancer the use of Pertuzumab was shown to stabilize the disease for varying periods of time and, overall, extended the 12 month survival rate of the group as a whole to nearly 75%, which compared favorably to the expected survival rate without treatment of less than 50%.

Pertuzumab is a form of monoclonal antibody which is produced in a laboratory and is designed to seek out and bind with specific cells. In the case of prostate cancer Pertuzumab is designed to seek out a protein known as epidermal growth factor, which plays a significant role in the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Monoclonal antibodies are not new and can be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins or radioactive material directly to the site of a tumor. Each antibody is designed to seek out specific cells and a number of monoclonal antibodies are already in use treating cancers, while others are in development or undergoing clinical trials.

The use of this form of targeted therapy is evolving rapidly in the management of cancer patients in general and it is hoped that with further development this will become a significant form of treatment for advanced prostate cancer patients.

ProstateCancerExplained.com provides information and advice on a wide range of prostate problems including the symptoms and treatment of an enlarged prostate and the continuing search for an effective advanced prostate cancer cure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-New-Drug-Can-Extend-The-Life-Of-Some-Men-With-Advanced-Prostate-Cancer&id=519036

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Your Quick Guide To Facts About Prostate Cancer

Your Quick Guide To Facts About Prostate Cancer
By Helen Hecker

Prostate cancer is cancer that grows in the prostate gland. At an advanced age, the risks of surgery for prostate cancer or other more radical treatments may actually be worse than the disease itself. Detected in its earliest stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured.

About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only one man in 34 will die of the disease. The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm. Men, who are younger than 40 years old, are rarely ever diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. One symptom is the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. Another prostate cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all.

If prostate cancer is caught in its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms.

A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the PSA enzyme in your blood for abnormalities. The decision about whether or not to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor.

A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer.

Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread. The approaches to treatment include: waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms. Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate is definitely debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult for some men.

Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor.

Most men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is picking the best treatment for you. Be aware that some men choose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often.

Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire. Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer.

Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary. What you can do now is begin to understand what your treatment options are and where you're going to begin.

It's important to get as informed as possible and read all the newest books, ebooks and research available. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are found before they cause any symptoms. The outcome of prostate cancer varies greatly; mostly because the disease is found in older men who may have a variety of other complicating diseases or conditions, like cardiac or respiratory disease, or disabilities that immobilize or greatly decrease their activity level.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HelenHecker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Quick-Guide-To-Facts-About-Prostate-Cancer&id=505295

7 Prostate Symptoms Which You Should Watch For

7 Prostate Symptoms Which You Should Watch For
By Donald Saunders

The vast majority of men will develop prostate problems of some description as they get older, with the first signs of trouble appearing for a few men at about the age of 50, or possibly slightly earlier. By the age of 60 about half of all men will be experiencing prostate symptoms and this figure will have increased to about ninety percent by the age of 80.

For most men prostate symptoms will be fairly mild and, because most of us begin to develop a range of medical problems at this point in our lives, it is not uncommon for men to simply ignore prostate symptoms as nothing more than a normal part ageing. As many prostate problems are not serious, and the symptoms can often be very mild, this is not necessarily a problem and you can live with many prostate problems quite happily and without them doing you any real harm.

However, not all prostate problems are harmless and if your particular prostate problem happens to be prostate cancer and you ignore it then it could quite easily start to spread and eventually kill you. Indeed, ignoring prostate symptoms is the main reason why prostate cancer represents the second highest cause of cancer death the United States.

There are many different symptoms which might point to a developing prostate problem and one difficulty we have in recognizing the cause of these symptoms is that they are often symptoms which could arise for many different reasons. However, if symptoms are not being caused by prostate problems then they will often to be short lived (stemming from a bacterial infection for example) and will disappear in a matter of days without the need for treatment. However, where symptoms stay with you, or appear on a regular basis, then there it is likely that they are being caused by a problem with the prostate gland.

Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty beginning urination and the need to strain in order to start urination.
  • A loss of strength in the flow of urine.
  • A flow of urine which tends to stop and start.
  • A feeling that you need to urinate even after youve just been to the bathroom.
  • A need to visit the bathroom urgently and problems in 'waiting'.
  • The need to visit the bathroom more frequently and, in particular, to get up to visit the bathroom during the night.
  • A tendency to dribble urine for a while after you have finished in the bathroom.

These symptoms indicate that prostate problems may be developing and although, in most cases, such problems will not be serious this is not always the case.

Accordingly, as soon as these symptoms appear, you should consult your doctor who will be able to tell you exactly what the problem is and how to treat it. More importantly, if the problem does turn out to be prostate cancer, he can recommend treatment while the problem is in its early stages and can be relatively easily treated and, hopefully, eliminated altogether.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides prostate problem information and advice on such topics as spotting an enlarged prostate symptom to prostate surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Prostate-Symptoms-Which-You-Should-Watch-For&id=607593

7 Common Prostate Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

7 Common Prostate Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
By Donald Saunders

Prostate problems will develop in the vast majority of men as they grow older, commonly starting at around 50 years of age. By 60 about half of all men will be affected and by the age of 80 nine out of every ten men will be experiencing some sort of prostate symptoms.

In many cases prostate symptoms will be quite mild and, because at this time in life most of us are starting to develop a range of medical problems, we tend to ignore prostate symptoms as being nothing more than a normal part of the ageing process. In many cases this is fine as most of the problems seen with the prostate are not serious and, as long as the symptoms don't bother you too much you can live with them quite happily, they won't do you any harm.

Unfortunately, however, in all too many cases prostate cancer is present which, if ignored, will eventually spread and probably kill you. Indeed, prostate cancer accounts for the second highest cancer death toll in the United States today.

So, what should you be on the lookout for?

There are a range of different prostate symptoms that might point to developing problems and, as with most things, these symptoms can also be caused by a whole range of other problems. In most cases however if the symptoms are not being caused by problems with the prostate they will tend to be short lived, arising perhaps from a bacterial infection which clears up in a week or two without the need for treatment. If however any of these symptoms appear on a regular basis, or appear and stay with you, then there it is likely that they will originate in the prostate gland. The symptoms are:

  • Difficulty in starting to urinate and a need to strain in order to start urinating.
  • A weak flow of urine.
  • A tendency for the flow of urine to stop and start.
  • A feeling that you have not emptied your bladder even after you've just been to the bathroom.
  • A feeling that you need to visit the bathroom urgently and difficulty in holding on.
  • The need for more frequent visits to the bathroom and, in particular, a need to get up during the night.
  • A tendency to continue to dribble urine after you have finished in the bathroom.

These prostate symptoms are the body's warning signs that problems may be starting to develop and, whilst in most cases, this is not serious and nothing to be worried about, for all too many men these are the warning signs of a serious and in many cases fatal disease.

The only way to find out whether you fall into the former or the latter category is get yourself checked out and that means not ignoring the warning signs but talking to your doctor without delay.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for more information about prostate symptoms or for more information about prostate cancer in general and a prostate cancer cure in particular.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Common-Prostate-Symptoms-That-Should-Not-Be-Ignored&id=358011

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

3 Simple But Highly Effective Steps To Avoiding Prostate Cancer

3 Simple But Highly Effective Steps To Avoiding Prostate Cancer
By Tim Gorman

When you mention the words prostate cancer around men it can literally put fear in their hearts. This disease is a very harsh condition that can prove fatal for a large percentage of individuals that contract it unless they start to protect themselves at an early age. Before going into some things you can do to avoid prostate cancer it needs to be mentioned that there are unfortunately some obstacles that simply cant be avoided. For instance if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family or if you are at a certain age where this form of cancer seems to appear quiet frankly then the reality is the likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer is higher. However, there are a few things you can do now to combat the effects of catching prostate cancer. They include a proper diet, plenty of exercise and an annual checkup or health exam.

Simply put exercise is one of the most beneficial things anyone can do to improve their overall health and quality of life. Let's be honest our bodies require enough exercise stimulation in order to stay health, strong and function properly. The fact is you really should exercise on a regular basis in order to stay in good shape. Exercise also has the benefit of helping your body stay disease free, to include cancer. By sticking to an exercise plan you significantly lower your chances of contracting prostate cancer and should you actually be diagnosed with the disease your body will be in much better shape and capable of dealing with the adverse effects of cancer in the prostate gland while you undergo treatment for the condition.

Naturally, diet is another crucial factor to leading and living a healthy lifestyle and it fits nicely with a good exercise program. In fact, medical studies show that a well balanced diet has the most effect on whether or not you lead a health life. Unhealthy foods, such as those found in fast food restaurants, are a precursor to future health related problems to include prostate cancer. Generally speaking, most medical professionals and doctors highly recommend the nutrient called lycopene as a supplement needed to help prevent all forms of cancer to include the dreaded prostate cancer. Although Lycopene is found in many different foods it is abundantly found in papaya, tomatoes, watermelons and guava. Additionally you can choose to take vitamins, nutrient supplements and minerals that contain lycopene.

All of the health eating and exercise daily routines mean nothing if you fail to schedule an annual health exam or medical checkup. Although these dont necessarily help you avoid cancer they do assist in the early detection of prostate cancer which is extremely important because in most cases early detection was the key to be able to successfully cure prostate cancer that was diagnosed in a majority of males. A yearly or annual exam is highly recommended, but if you are in a higher risk category then perhaps a semi-annual exam would prove to be better.

Prostate cancer isn't something to mess around with, but by adapting a health diet incorporated with an exercise routine used in conjunction with a regular health examination the odds of staying cancer free are higher and should you be diagnosed with prostate cancer you stand a much better chance of beating the disease.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Online Prostate Health Guide.com where he provides more important information on the prostate gland, prostate cancer and prostate cancer symptoms that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TimGorman
http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Simple-But-Highly-Effective-Steps-To-Avoiding-Prostate-Cancer&id=287637

10 Commonly Asked Prostate Cancer Questions

10 Commonly Asked Prostate Cancer Questions
By Donald Saunders

For the millions of men who encounter prostate problems each year and, in particular those who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, we have picked out ten of the most frequently asked questions about the prostate and prostate cancer.

Question 1. What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland, which when healthy is about the size of a walnut, lies between the rectum and the bladder and forms part of the male reproductive system, making and storing a fluid contained within semen. The prostate gland partially surrounds the urethra and, when it becomes enlarged, it can slow or even stop the flow of urine.

Question 2. What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the second commonest form of cancer in the United States today. In 2006 approximately 235,000 men in the US were diagnosed with prostate cancer and some 27,000 men died of the disease. In most cases prostate cancer appears relatively late in life and is slow growing and, for this reason, many men with prostate cancer die from other unrelated causes.

Question 3. Who is at risk of contracting prostate cancer?

The simple answer is that all men are at risk of contracting prostate cancer. This said, prostate cancer is age related and so it is more likely to appear the older you get. In addition, prostate cancer is more likely to appear in men with a family history of the disease and in black men. There are also quite marked differences seen between countries with the United States having the highest incidence and Japan the lowest. While these differences are not entirely understood it is believed that diet may play an important role.

Question 4. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

It is possible to suffer from prostate cancer for many years without displaying any symptoms at all. However when symptoms do appear they are likely to include the need for frequent urination (particularly during the night), difficulty in urinating, a weak flow or urine which tends to stop and start, pain when urinating, blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation and frequent pain in the lower back as well as in the hips or upper part of the thighs.

It is important to note that while these can indicate the presence of prostate cancer they can also be symptomatic of a number of other conditions and you should check with your doctor and not simply assume that because you are experiencing these symptoms that you have prostate cancer.

Question 5. What other conditions are associated with prostate cancer symptoms?

It is very common in older men for the prostate gland to enlarge placing pressure on both the bladder and the urethra and interfering with both the flow of urine and with sexual function. This condition is not cancer but is a benign condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

In addition, symptoms similar to those seen in prostate cancer can also be experienced as the result of a prostate infection known as prostatitis which causes inflammation of the prostate.

Question 6. Is it possible to screen for prostate cancer before symptoms appear?

There are currently two commonly performed tests which are carried out to detect the presence of prostate cancer. Although neither test is in itself a definitive test for prostate cancer, both tests can indicate problems developing with the prostate gland and thus indicate the need for more specific testing.

The two tests currently used to detect the possible presence of prostate cancer are the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas, and a blood test used to detect a substance made by the prostate called prostate specific antigen (PSA).

Question 7. How reliable are the present screening tests?

Neither the digital rectal exam nor the PSA blood test are perfect and the DRE can easily miss prostate cancers while it is also possible for men with prostate cancer to show normal levels of PSA in the blood.

The two tests used together do produce reasonable results and are certainly better than not screening for the condition at all, but more accurate screening is required and studies are underway to improve screening in the next few years.

Question 8. How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

The only sure way to confirm the presence of prostate cancer is to carry out a prostate biopsy during which a number of small samples of tissue are taken from various parts of the prostate gland for microscopic laboratory examination.

Question 9. How is prostate cancer treated?

Provided the cancer is localized (confined to the prostate gland) there are currently three main forms of treatment available.

The first is simply to watch and wait. This may seem a strange form of treatment but in older patients who may have other serious medical problems it may be best to simply leave prostate cancer untreated as long as it remains confined to the prostate gland.

The second form of treatment is radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells delivered either using traditional radiotherapy techniques on an outpatient basis, or by implanting radioactive seeds into the prostate gland.

Finally, prostate cancer can be treated by simply removing the prostate gland surgically.

Question 10. What is the best treatment for localized prostate cancer?

There are a large number of factors which need to be taken into consideration before deciding upon the treatment that is right for you and the options need to be carefully considered and discussed with both your family and your doctor.

In most cases prostate cancer is slow to develop and there is rarely any need to rush into treatment. Take your time, collect as much information as you can about the disease and the options for treatment and make your decision based upon the information you have, the advice you are given and your own personal feelings on the matter.

ProstateCancerExplained.com provides information on a variety of different prostate gland problems including an enlarged prostate gland, prostate symptoms, prostate surgery and finding a prostate cancer cure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DonaldSaunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Commonly-Asked-Prostate-Cancer-Questions&id=485465

Some Helpful Information About Prostate Cancer

Some Helpful Information About Prostate Cancer
By Morgan Hamilton

Being afflicted with prostate cancer is one of the complications that men can suffer. Other than skin cancer, this form of cancer is also the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in America. In fact, one out of every six men in the U.S. will develop this type cancer at some point in his life. Another important piece of information is that an American man is 33% more likely to get prostate cancer than an American woman is to get breast cancer.

Males have a prostate which is part of the male sexual reproductive organ. It is located in front of the rectum, and just below the urinary bladder. A healthy prostate averages around 3 centimeters in diameter, and weighs around 20 grams. This male body part is responsible for producing and storing some of the fluids that comprise semen.

The production of this fluid occurs in the numerous little glands that are within the prostate. Like most cells in the body, the cells in these glands live for a while before dying and being replaced in an orderly fashion. However, the new cells in these glands can grow out of control and form a tumor. A tumor can either be benign, or malignant. A malignant tumor of the prostate gland is called prostate cancer.

Contrary to common belief, prostate cancer is not fatal in itself. The danger of prostate cancer is that the cancer cells may spread or metastasize to other vital areas of the body. All kinds of cancer present this danger which occurs when cancer cells circulate through the body by way of blood or lymph. Bones, lungs, brain and lymph nodes, and cancers are common areas where the cancer cells may invade and from fatal tumors.

Prostrate cancer occur in very young men, although over 70% of prostate cancer is diagnosed in men over 65 years of age, and the majority of the other cases are found in men over 50. Since this form of cancer is normally a relatively slow growing cancer, many men afflicted with it will end up dying from some other unrelated cause before the cancer causes any serious damage.

This type of cancer often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, any male over the age of 50 should regularly receive a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. This will inform them if any early form cancer has been detected within their body. The chances of recovering from prostate cancer are very good with todays available treatments if it is treated in the earlier stages.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Prostate Cancer. Visit our site for more helpful information about Prostate Cancer Overtreatment and other similar topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MorganHamilton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Some-Helpful-Information-About-Prostate-Cancer&id=405891