Prostate Cancer
Published on Jun 11 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
There are many types of cancer but among them, the prostate cancer is the second most deadly one because every year, all around the world, one in six men gets to be diagnosed with a prostate cancer while the chances of survival five years after the initial diagnose are of about ninety eight percent. Still, in America only the lung cancer causes more deaths than the prostate one, closely followed by skin cancer.
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According to its official medical definition, the cancer is an abnormal disease or medical condition with various causes that allow its development, especially when the normal biological functions of the body such as the apoptosis or the death of the cells and the mitosis or the division of the cells are interrupted by the apparition of cancer cells which tend to outlive the normal ones.
Normal factors such as the aging process, the genetic inheritance, race, the living and working environment of every person, the alimentation poor in nutritional foods and the excessive alcohol drinking and smoking can also be considered as the main causes of cancer, although still many things remains unknown about this terrible disease.

The prostate is the male specific gland responsible with the making of the seminal fluid so that means that the prostate is an organ of the male reproductive system, located near the male genital parts, urethra and bladder.
The early signs of a prostate cancer are not noticeable so basically only with the help of the medical tests you can find out exactly what disease is affecting you.
The prostate is easily affected by any hormonal problem, especially after the “male menopause” stage, so diseases such as cancer or prostatitis or the benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate) are unfortunately rather common and after the age of forty, prevention and maintaining a health life should be considered very important. These prostate disorders can gravely affect the general health and the daily activities of a patient, not to mention the urinary and sexual activities.
The tumors are benign but also malignant and only in the latter case the cancer will develop; the tumor is primarily confined into the infected organ and without any treatment to stop its progression, it will soon become locally advanced, spreading to the areas near the prostate and finally metastatic, affecting the far distanced regions and tissues or the vital organs such as the lungs or brain.
The spreading process can be a slow one or a fast one, usually the tumor doubling its size once every four year; the biological characteristics of a patient’s organism may influence that spreading and because each type of cancer is unique the prognosis for its outcome is very difficult. In simpler words, the cancer will evolve differently in different patients in different periods of time, in different stages with different consequences or effects on the general health of that particular person.
The screenings are recommended to be done at regular periods of time and if the results indicate any abnormality, with the prostate biopsy you will receive a confirmation whether you have cancer or not.

The screening tests include the unpleasant digital rectal examination performed by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to palpate the prostate gland and determine if a lump or hardness had appeared on its surface; the prostate specific antigen blood tests indicate the levels of the prostate specific antigen which should be low in normal conditions. The results have to be interpreted by the medical specialists and they will also decide if a medical investigation is further needed or not.
The prostate biopsy for cancer diagnose is done with the guidance of the ultrasound images by extracting different prostate gland tissue samples and analyzing them to determine whether cancer cells exist or not. This method of detection is now complement with new ones such as the prostate mapping, the radionuclide bone scans, the CAT scans or coaxial tomography, the nomograms or the magnetic resonance imaging or MRIs.
The staging and grading of a prostate cancer is done with the TNM (tumor, nodes and metastatic) system or its alternative, the Whitmore-Jewett staging system and the popular Gleason scale.
The popular treatment therapies are the prostatectomy for an organ confined cancer, or radiotherapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy for the advanced or late stage cancers.
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According to its official medical definition, the cancer is an abnormal disease or medical condition with various causes that allow its development, especially when the normal biological functions of the body such as the apoptosis or the death of the cells and the mitosis or the division of the cells are interrupted by the apparition of cancer cells which tend to outlive the normal ones.
Normal factors such as the aging process, the genetic inheritance, race, the living and working environment of every person, the alimentation poor in nutritional foods and the excessive alcohol drinking and smoking can also be considered as the main causes of cancer, although still many things remains unknown about this terrible disease.

The prostate is the male specific gland responsible with the making of the seminal fluid so that means that the prostate is an organ of the male reproductive system, located near the male genital parts, urethra and bladder.
The early signs of a prostate cancer are not noticeable so basically only with the help of the medical tests you can find out exactly what disease is affecting you.
The prostate is easily affected by any hormonal problem, especially after the “male menopause” stage, so diseases such as cancer or prostatitis or the benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate) are unfortunately rather common and after the age of forty, prevention and maintaining a health life should be considered very important. These prostate disorders can gravely affect the general health and the daily activities of a patient, not to mention the urinary and sexual activities.
The tumors are benign but also malignant and only in the latter case the cancer will develop; the tumor is primarily confined into the infected organ and without any treatment to stop its progression, it will soon become locally advanced, spreading to the areas near the prostate and finally metastatic, affecting the far distanced regions and tissues or the vital organs such as the lungs or brain.
The spreading process can be a slow one or a fast one, usually the tumor doubling its size once every four year; the biological characteristics of a patient’s organism may influence that spreading and because each type of cancer is unique the prognosis for its outcome is very difficult. In simpler words, the cancer will evolve differently in different patients in different periods of time, in different stages with different consequences or effects on the general health of that particular person.
The screenings are recommended to be done at regular periods of time and if the results indicate any abnormality, with the prostate biopsy you will receive a confirmation whether you have cancer or not.

The screening tests include the unpleasant digital rectal examination performed by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to palpate the prostate gland and determine if a lump or hardness had appeared on its surface; the prostate specific antigen blood tests indicate the levels of the prostate specific antigen which should be low in normal conditions. The results have to be interpreted by the medical specialists and they will also decide if a medical investigation is further needed or not.
The prostate biopsy for cancer diagnose is done with the guidance of the ultrasound images by extracting different prostate gland tissue samples and analyzing them to determine whether cancer cells exist or not. This method of detection is now complement with new ones such as the prostate mapping, the radionuclide bone scans, the CAT scans or coaxial tomography, the nomograms or the magnetic resonance imaging or MRIs.
The staging and grading of a prostate cancer is done with the TNM (tumor, nodes and metastatic) system or its alternative, the Whitmore-Jewett staging system and the popular Gleason scale.
The popular treatment therapies are the prostatectomy for an organ confined cancer, or radiotherapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy for the advanced or late stage cancers.
Prostate Cancer Questions And Answers
Published on Feb 06 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
Prostate cancer is the most frequent form of cancer in men. If a woman discovers a lump in her breast, she immediately thinks of breast cancer, a woman who begins urinating more often at night and whom the doctor tells he has an increased prostate begins fearing prostate. Here are some prostate cancer questions and answers meant to shed some light on the topic.
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Unfortunately, the exact cause for prostate cancer remains unknown, but there are several risk factors identified, namely elements that increase the chances for this disease to occur. Fortunately, many risk factors, such as our menu, can be influenced by our decisions, this means that it is within our power to prevent prostate cancer!

Risk factors
- Age: the risk of prostate cancer grows with age, especially after the age of 50.
- A family history of prostate cancer: men whose close relatives have suffered from prostate cancer show a higher risk of developing this disease. For example, if your father has had prostate cancer, then the risks for you are two maybe three times higher. If your brother has had prostate cancer, then the risks for you are five times higher. And if you have a family history of prostate cancers as well as ovarian or breast cancers, the risks can be six times higher for you!
- Eating habits: some food elements seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer – for example a menu rich in red meat, fats and dairy products. On the other hand, other foods seem to have a protective effect against prostate cancer.
To those wishing to prevent prostate cancer American Cancer Society recommends: 1. Choose most of your food from vegetal sources 2. Limit the consumption of foods that are rich in fat, especially from food sources of animal origin. 3. Lead a physically active life. Return to and maintain your normal body weight. 4. Avoid or limit as much as possible the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
"Decalogue" for the prevention of prostate cancer: 1. Reduce the consumption of meat and other foods that are rich in animal fats (this also has a beneficial effect on the health of the heart). 2. Use moderation when eating all types of fat, including vegetal fats (olive oil does not seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer). 3. Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible, especially vegetables from the cabbage family, as well as many tomatoes and tomato juice. 4. Use milk and dairy products with caution. If you are open to new things, try some soy milk. 5. Avoid eating too much and the excess pounds. 6. Consider and approach your doctor about using some food supplements containing vitamin E.

7. Regularly eat whole wheat to make sure you ingest sufficient amounts of selenium. 8. Check to see if you are getting enough vitamin D. 9. Get exercise on a regular basis and avoid the consumption of alcohol. 10. Do not neglect periodic medical checkups. Especially after the age of 50 it is recommended that you annually get a medical checkup (rectal digital exam, perhaps an ultrasonic scan) and have your Prostatic specific antigen levels checked, since PSA levels generally grow in cases of prostate cancer. I hope these prostate cancer questions and answers have helped and remember that the sooner cancer is discovered the higher chances you have of getting rid of it.
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Unfortunately, the exact cause for prostate cancer remains unknown, but there are several risk factors identified, namely elements that increase the chances for this disease to occur. Fortunately, many risk factors, such as our menu, can be influenced by our decisions, this means that it is within our power to prevent prostate cancer!

Risk factors
- Age: the risk of prostate cancer grows with age, especially after the age of 50.
- A family history of prostate cancer: men whose close relatives have suffered from prostate cancer show a higher risk of developing this disease. For example, if your father has had prostate cancer, then the risks for you are two maybe three times higher. If your brother has had prostate cancer, then the risks for you are five times higher. And if you have a family history of prostate cancers as well as ovarian or breast cancers, the risks can be six times higher for you!
- Eating habits: some food elements seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer – for example a menu rich in red meat, fats and dairy products. On the other hand, other foods seem to have a protective effect against prostate cancer.
To those wishing to prevent prostate cancer American Cancer Society recommends: 1. Choose most of your food from vegetal sources 2. Limit the consumption of foods that are rich in fat, especially from food sources of animal origin. 3. Lead a physically active life. Return to and maintain your normal body weight. 4. Avoid or limit as much as possible the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
"Decalogue" for the prevention of prostate cancer: 1. Reduce the consumption of meat and other foods that are rich in animal fats (this also has a beneficial effect on the health of the heart). 2. Use moderation when eating all types of fat, including vegetal fats (olive oil does not seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer). 3. Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible, especially vegetables from the cabbage family, as well as many tomatoes and tomato juice. 4. Use milk and dairy products with caution. If you are open to new things, try some soy milk. 5. Avoid eating too much and the excess pounds. 6. Consider and approach your doctor about using some food supplements containing vitamin E.

7. Regularly eat whole wheat to make sure you ingest sufficient amounts of selenium. 8. Check to see if you are getting enough vitamin D. 9. Get exercise on a regular basis and avoid the consumption of alcohol. 10. Do not neglect periodic medical checkups. Especially after the age of 50 it is recommended that you annually get a medical checkup (rectal digital exam, perhaps an ultrasonic scan) and have your Prostatic specific antigen levels checked, since PSA levels generally grow in cases of prostate cancer. I hope these prostate cancer questions and answers have helped and remember that the sooner cancer is discovered the higher chances you have of getting rid of it.
What Is The Survival Rate Of Prostate Cancer
Published on Feb 06 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
The presence of three genetic dysfunctions radically influences the survival rate in the case of prostate cancer, as they reduce the survival rate immediately after the disease begins to affect the organ. Doctors can establish with certainty how the disease will develop, whether the tumor will spread rapidly and manifest aggressively. Knowing how the disease will develop is essential in establishing a proper, efficient treatment.
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A simple test can identify the dysfunctional genes responsible for how prostate cancer develops. Doctors can thus choose the right treatment that can increase the patient’s chances of survival. Data show that only 14% of those that present the above mentioned genetic dysfunctions are still alive eleven years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, compared to 85% in the case of those who do not have the three genetic dysfunctions.

Unfortunately, there are few people to have all the three genetic dysfunctions, according to a research of the British Journal of Cancer. The research conducted by the UK on 308 participants shows that only 6% of the patients suffering from prostate cancer had the three genetic dysfunctions. According to Professor Colin Cooper, some prostate cancer cases develop so slowly that a treatment will never be needed. On the other hand, there are cases that develop very fast and patients die in no time.
The bottom line, if you are wondering “what is the survival rate of prostate cancer?” is that prostate cancer does not mean you will die. Many men die with prostate cancer but not because of prostate cancer. Given the fact that the condition mostly occurs in men aged over 65, added with the slow evolution of the condition, there are many cases in which prostate cancer is not the cause for fatality.
In addition, the sooner the cancer is discovered, the more chances you have of curing it completely, so you should get yearly medical checkups, especially after the age of 45, with digital rectal exams, to check for any symptoms of the disease. Remember that the illness does not show any signs or symptoms in the initial stages and soon you could wake up with metastasized prostate cancer and not know where it came from. If you have a history of prostate cancer in the family, you should be especially careful.

Depending on the type of treatment your doctor recommends, the stage that the cancer has reached and other illnesses that you might have in your body, the chances for you to survive this disease are truly positive, but it all depends on you and your awareness, so remember this: get yearly prostate checkups and examinations, do not ignore any symptom you might consider relevant and do not ignore your family history. Furthermore, if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, do not panic, science has ways of helping you deal with your problem and progress is made every day improving the life expectancy. So stop asking “what is the survival rate of prostate cancer?” and start asking “how can I be rid of this nasty disease sooner?”.
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A simple test can identify the dysfunctional genes responsible for how prostate cancer develops. Doctors can thus choose the right treatment that can increase the patient’s chances of survival. Data show that only 14% of those that present the above mentioned genetic dysfunctions are still alive eleven years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, compared to 85% in the case of those who do not have the three genetic dysfunctions.

Unfortunately, there are few people to have all the three genetic dysfunctions, according to a research of the British Journal of Cancer. The research conducted by the UK on 308 participants shows that only 6% of the patients suffering from prostate cancer had the three genetic dysfunctions. According to Professor Colin Cooper, some prostate cancer cases develop so slowly that a treatment will never be needed. On the other hand, there are cases that develop very fast and patients die in no time.
The bottom line, if you are wondering “what is the survival rate of prostate cancer?” is that prostate cancer does not mean you will die. Many men die with prostate cancer but not because of prostate cancer. Given the fact that the condition mostly occurs in men aged over 65, added with the slow evolution of the condition, there are many cases in which prostate cancer is not the cause for fatality.
In addition, the sooner the cancer is discovered, the more chances you have of curing it completely, so you should get yearly medical checkups, especially after the age of 45, with digital rectal exams, to check for any symptoms of the disease. Remember that the illness does not show any signs or symptoms in the initial stages and soon you could wake up with metastasized prostate cancer and not know where it came from. If you have a history of prostate cancer in the family, you should be especially careful.

Depending on the type of treatment your doctor recommends, the stage that the cancer has reached and other illnesses that you might have in your body, the chances for you to survive this disease are truly positive, but it all depends on you and your awareness, so remember this: get yearly prostate checkups and examinations, do not ignore any symptom you might consider relevant and do not ignore your family history. Furthermore, if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, do not panic, science has ways of helping you deal with your problem and progress is made every day improving the life expectancy. So stop asking “what is the survival rate of prostate cancer?” and start asking “how can I be rid of this nasty disease sooner?”.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer To The Bone
Published on Feb 05 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
If prostate cancer has reached the stages T3 or T4, then the condition is classified as advanced prostate cancer. Metastatic prostate cancer to the bone has more chances to show symptoms of prostate cancer than any other earlier stage of the illness. Physicians usually look for bone metastasis or lymph node metastasis, which get the names M and N in terms of clinical prostate cancer stages.
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In the T3 clinical stage, the tumor has gone beyond the walls of the prostatic capsule, maybe into the seminal vesicles. This situation is called extraprostatic extension. In the T4 clinical stage, the illness invades the organs around it (not only the seminal vesicles), namely the neck of the bladder, the rectum and the external sphincter.

Metastasis usually happens while the cancer is in advanced stages. Metastatic disease means a prostate cancer that has gone beyond the prostate gland and the nearby organs. Metastatic prostate cancer to the bone and lymph node metastasis are associated with the concept of advanced prostate cancer. The metastatic condition could entail symptoms that are not included in regular Prostate Cancer Treatment Guides.
The cause for prostate cancer metastasis - Metastasis comes as the result of a process called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. Bad cells have the capability of attaching themselves to these vessels and going to various other parts of the body. The bad cancer cells usually get stuck in the bone or lymph nodes. Here, the cells “set up camp” and they start an aggressive and uncontrollable process of division.
Lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer - The human body makes a fluid called the lymph. This fluid contains the white blood cells and it travels through the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes are tiny round or oval organs which filter the lymph. The cancer cells that travel throughout the body can get stuck in these lymph nodes. When they get stuck, the cells start their nasty habit of unhealthy division, which entails lymph node metastasis.
Lymph node metastases can be of two types: distant and local. Local lymph node metastasis is also called N1 in terms of clinical staging. There are two lymph nodes on each side of the bladder. Since the nodes in question are near the prostate gland, then the metastasis is seen as local. If the metastasis caused by cancer cells is found in any other lymph node in the body, then the metastasis is considered distant. Distant lymph node metastasis is called M1a in terms of clinical staging.

Metastatic prostate cancer to the bone
Cases where bone cancer sets in as a cause on its own are pretty rare. Usually, bone cancer appears as a result of metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. When it comes to prostate cancer, metastatic prostate cancer to the bone is called clinical stage M1b. However, if prostate cancer results in bone disease, then the patient cannot be considered as suffering from bone cancer. Since the cancer in patients is classified with respect for the point of origin, then it is said that that patient has metastatic prostate cancer to the bone.
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In the T3 clinical stage, the tumor has gone beyond the walls of the prostatic capsule, maybe into the seminal vesicles. This situation is called extraprostatic extension. In the T4 clinical stage, the illness invades the organs around it (not only the seminal vesicles), namely the neck of the bladder, the rectum and the external sphincter.

Metastasis usually happens while the cancer is in advanced stages. Metastatic disease means a prostate cancer that has gone beyond the prostate gland and the nearby organs. Metastatic prostate cancer to the bone and lymph node metastasis are associated with the concept of advanced prostate cancer. The metastatic condition could entail symptoms that are not included in regular Prostate Cancer Treatment Guides.
The cause for prostate cancer metastasis - Metastasis comes as the result of a process called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. Bad cells have the capability of attaching themselves to these vessels and going to various other parts of the body. The bad cancer cells usually get stuck in the bone or lymph nodes. Here, the cells “set up camp” and they start an aggressive and uncontrollable process of division.
Lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer - The human body makes a fluid called the lymph. This fluid contains the white blood cells and it travels through the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes are tiny round or oval organs which filter the lymph. The cancer cells that travel throughout the body can get stuck in these lymph nodes. When they get stuck, the cells start their nasty habit of unhealthy division, which entails lymph node metastasis.
Lymph node metastases can be of two types: distant and local. Local lymph node metastasis is also called N1 in terms of clinical staging. There are two lymph nodes on each side of the bladder. Since the nodes in question are near the prostate gland, then the metastasis is seen as local. If the metastasis caused by cancer cells is found in any other lymph node in the body, then the metastasis is considered distant. Distant lymph node metastasis is called M1a in terms of clinical staging.

Metastatic prostate cancer to the bone
Cases where bone cancer sets in as a cause on its own are pretty rare. Usually, bone cancer appears as a result of metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. When it comes to prostate cancer, metastatic prostate cancer to the bone is called clinical stage M1b. However, if prostate cancer results in bone disease, then the patient cannot be considered as suffering from bone cancer. Since the cancer in patients is classified with respect for the point of origin, then it is said that that patient has metastatic prostate cancer to the bone.
Signs Of Bone Mets With Prostate Cancer
Published on Feb 05 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
On some occasions, bone metastases can be located before they get to develop symptoms. When the patient is diagnosed with cancer, say prostate cancer, the doctor orders some laboratory and imaging tests (including x-rays of the bone or scanning of the bone) to look for signs of bone mets with prostate cancer, and to see how evolved the disease is. The tests in question can pinpoint bone metastases. Also, red flags of bone metastasis can be revealed while performing some routine checkups after the completion of treatment.
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Signs of bone mets with prostate cancer and other types of cancer
Initially, the symptoms of metastasis in the bones may be reduced. Manifestations can include lowered appetite and restless sleep due to lack of comfort. The symptoms at this stage might render routine tasks more difficult.

Pain in the bones is on many occasions the first sign of cancer that has reached the bone. The pain usually comes and goes in the initial stages. The pain worsens at night and could be eased by movement. In later stages, the pain becomes constant and could grow during movement and activity. At the first sign of bone pain, you should notify your doctor. Also, the bone could become so weak that it easily breaks, but this symptom can be prevented if the metastasis is revealed early on. The doctor usually gets an x-ray of the painful area and also performs scans or does some other tests. However, bones may also hurt from other illnesses, such as arthritis, infections or too much activity.
Bones that are eaten by cancer metastasis may easily fracture. The accident can happen caused by an injury or fall, but it can also happen during the performance of regular and routine activities. These occurrences, in most cases, entail severe and sudden pain. The pain may reduce or even halt any movement from the patient, and in some cases the fracture is the first sign of bone metastasis. The places where fractures occur most often are the long bones in the legs and arms, as well as the spine bones.
Bone cancer or spine cancer may apply pressure on the spinal cord. Pressure on the spine is not simply a generator of pain, but it can also damage the spinal cord nerves, which can lead to weakness and numbness as well paralysis in some cases. In most cases, this occurrence has an impact on the legs. On some occasions the first symptom of pressure on the spinal cord is difficulty during urination, because the bladder is controlled by the nerves of the spinal cord.

When cancer has reached the bone, there may be some calcium releases into the blood. This can cause blood calcium levels to soar, which can entail nausea, constipation, extreme thirst and loss of appetite. The high levels of calcium in the blood cause you to produce more urine, which entails dehydration. Also, you might feel very tired and weak, sleepy or confused. If it is not treated, hyper-calcemia, which is the high level of blood calcium, could even cause you to fall into a coma.
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Signs of bone mets with prostate cancer and other types of cancer
Initially, the symptoms of metastasis in the bones may be reduced. Manifestations can include lowered appetite and restless sleep due to lack of comfort. The symptoms at this stage might render routine tasks more difficult.

Pain in the bones is on many occasions the first sign of cancer that has reached the bone. The pain usually comes and goes in the initial stages. The pain worsens at night and could be eased by movement. In later stages, the pain becomes constant and could grow during movement and activity. At the first sign of bone pain, you should notify your doctor. Also, the bone could become so weak that it easily breaks, but this symptom can be prevented if the metastasis is revealed early on. The doctor usually gets an x-ray of the painful area and also performs scans or does some other tests. However, bones may also hurt from other illnesses, such as arthritis, infections or too much activity.
Bones that are eaten by cancer metastasis may easily fracture. The accident can happen caused by an injury or fall, but it can also happen during the performance of regular and routine activities. These occurrences, in most cases, entail severe and sudden pain. The pain may reduce or even halt any movement from the patient, and in some cases the fracture is the first sign of bone metastasis. The places where fractures occur most often are the long bones in the legs and arms, as well as the spine bones.
Bone cancer or spine cancer may apply pressure on the spinal cord. Pressure on the spine is not simply a generator of pain, but it can also damage the spinal cord nerves, which can lead to weakness and numbness as well paralysis in some cases. In most cases, this occurrence has an impact on the legs. On some occasions the first symptom of pressure on the spinal cord is difficulty during urination, because the bladder is controlled by the nerves of the spinal cord.

When cancer has reached the bone, there may be some calcium releases into the blood. This can cause blood calcium levels to soar, which can entail nausea, constipation, extreme thirst and loss of appetite. The high levels of calcium in the blood cause you to produce more urine, which entails dehydration. Also, you might feel very tired and weak, sleepy or confused. If it is not treated, hyper-calcemia, which is the high level of blood calcium, could even cause you to fall into a coma.
What Is The Test For Prostate Cancer
Published on Feb 04 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
Prostate cancer is one of the most often occurring types of cancer in men. According to specialists, the prostate is a small gland in the size and shape similar to that of a chestnut. It is situated below the urinary bladder and surrounds the upper portion of the urethra – the tube that transports urine and sperm through the penis. The prostatic gland produces a clear and thick fluid that is mixed with the sperm to form the seminal fluid.
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With age, a man’s prostate can grow in size. This is not an unnatural thing, but it can happen sometimes that this growth blocks off the urinary flow. Therefore, there are some prostate problems that men can face, especially those aged more than 40.

One of these problems is prostate cancer, which damages the prostatic gland cells and can block the urinary flow. This type of cancer needs to be detected early and treated in order to prevent the spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body. After the age of 50, men need to take annual tests. In order to prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer, each man needs to be aware of what is the test for prostate cancer and of the fact that these tests need to be made annually by an urologist, especially if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family. This is the only way to detect and treat prostate cancer in its early stages.
What symptoms need to worry you?
Usually, when there is a prostatic affliction there are several symptoms which you could notice and by which you should go to the nearest doctor in your area to get a digital rectal examination. The most frequent symptoms reported by men are: difficulty or pain during urination, especially at night, a constant sensation of needing to urinate, urination which cannot be delayed, the presence of blood in the urine or sperm, impotence.
What is the test for prostate cancer?
After you list the symptoms you are feeling and tell the doctor what is going on with your body, any physical examination needs to include a digital rectal exam, e prostatic scan (which involves introducing a probe the size of a finger into the rectum and functions based on ultrasound) and a blood test to check for the Prostatic Specific Antigen, also known as PSA. High levels of PSA can be clues of prostate cancer, but this amount of PSA might also be increased by other afflictions, other infections or simply by recent ejaculation.
During the digital rectal examination the urologist will examine your prostate in order to find if there are any harder or abnormal areas on a prostate level.

So the prostate cancer test is nothing to worry about and if you suspect that you might be suffering from such a disease you should go to a doctor right away, because in such cases, the sooner you pinpoint and start treating the disease the better chances you have of a full recovery and leading a normal life. If you ignore the symptoms, one of the alternatives may very well be an early and painful death. So think about it.
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With age, a man’s prostate can grow in size. This is not an unnatural thing, but it can happen sometimes that this growth blocks off the urinary flow. Therefore, there are some prostate problems that men can face, especially those aged more than 40.

One of these problems is prostate cancer, which damages the prostatic gland cells and can block the urinary flow. This type of cancer needs to be detected early and treated in order to prevent the spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body. After the age of 50, men need to take annual tests. In order to prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer, each man needs to be aware of what is the test for prostate cancer and of the fact that these tests need to be made annually by an urologist, especially if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family. This is the only way to detect and treat prostate cancer in its early stages.
What symptoms need to worry you?
Usually, when there is a prostatic affliction there are several symptoms which you could notice and by which you should go to the nearest doctor in your area to get a digital rectal examination. The most frequent symptoms reported by men are: difficulty or pain during urination, especially at night, a constant sensation of needing to urinate, urination which cannot be delayed, the presence of blood in the urine or sperm, impotence.
What is the test for prostate cancer?
After you list the symptoms you are feeling and tell the doctor what is going on with your body, any physical examination needs to include a digital rectal exam, e prostatic scan (which involves introducing a probe the size of a finger into the rectum and functions based on ultrasound) and a blood test to check for the Prostatic Specific Antigen, also known as PSA. High levels of PSA can be clues of prostate cancer, but this amount of PSA might also be increased by other afflictions, other infections or simply by recent ejaculation.
During the digital rectal examination the urologist will examine your prostate in order to find if there are any harder or abnormal areas on a prostate level.

So the prostate cancer test is nothing to worry about and if you suspect that you might be suffering from such a disease you should go to a doctor right away, because in such cases, the sooner you pinpoint and start treating the disease the better chances you have of a full recovery and leading a normal life. If you ignore the symptoms, one of the alternatives may very well be an early and painful death. So think about it.
Radiation Therapy Utilization And Prostate Cancer
Published on Feb 04 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
Radiation therapy utilization and prostate cancer are two concepts that go hand in hand. The combination of radiotherapy with standard medicine treatment reduces by half the number of fatalities caused by advanced forms of prostate cancer and should become the new standard therapy accepted world wide, according to several Swedish experts.
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The study has been published in the Lancet Oncology magazine and carried on 800 patients with prostate cancer. The study showed that 24% of the patients who received standard treatment died after 10 years, compared to the 12% of patient who received radiotherapy.

The combination of radiation therapy utilization and prostate cancer, added with standard medication, cannot produce side effects, according to Swedish experts. "The quality of life and side effects are situated at an acceptable level. This is why we suggest that the endocrine treatment combined with radiotherapy become the new treatment standard for our patients ", said Anders Widmark at the Umea University.
Prostate cancer occupies second place in the top of deadly types of cancer among men, making over 221.000 de victims worldwide each year. Almost 679.000 new cases are discovered each year. Prostate cancer is easy to treat, through surgery or radiotherapy, if it is discovered in time. For the cases in which prostate cancer spread in the organism, there are several drugs to be prescribed. These drugs interfere with the hormones that support the cancer cells.
In the United States of America, using radiotherapy combined with medication is already a treatment standard, according to Howard Sandler, the chief of radiology- oncology section of Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, and the spokesman of American Society of Clinical Oncology. He said that medical clinics in Europe are not using radiotherapy in their standard treatments. A decrease of almost 50% of the deaths cause by prostate cancer definitely represents an evident medical benefit, according to Sandler.
For men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, combining radiotherapy with medication and androgen hormones reduces the risk of death with almost 50%, according to the results of a study released in September 22, 2008 at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Radiology in Boston.

Advanced prostate cancer is the cancer which grows on the edge of the prostate or it covers it by invading the surrounding woven, but it did not metastasize in regional ganglion or in any other organs. In this study, anti androgen hormones is used to treat cancer by blocking the stimulation effect of testosterone in prostate cancer cells and this way it slows down the growth of the tumor. Radiotherapy is represented by daily sessions of irradiation applied on the prostate. The study, which was carried on 800 patients, showed that 18% of those who only had hormonal treatment died of prostate cancer, compared to 9% of those who received both types of therapy.
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The study has been published in the Lancet Oncology magazine and carried on 800 patients with prostate cancer. The study showed that 24% of the patients who received standard treatment died after 10 years, compared to the 12% of patient who received radiotherapy.

The combination of radiation therapy utilization and prostate cancer, added with standard medication, cannot produce side effects, according to Swedish experts. "The quality of life and side effects are situated at an acceptable level. This is why we suggest that the endocrine treatment combined with radiotherapy become the new treatment standard for our patients ", said Anders Widmark at the Umea University.
Prostate cancer occupies second place in the top of deadly types of cancer among men, making over 221.000 de victims worldwide each year. Almost 679.000 new cases are discovered each year. Prostate cancer is easy to treat, through surgery or radiotherapy, if it is discovered in time. For the cases in which prostate cancer spread in the organism, there are several drugs to be prescribed. These drugs interfere with the hormones that support the cancer cells.
In the United States of America, using radiotherapy combined with medication is already a treatment standard, according to Howard Sandler, the chief of radiology- oncology section of Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, and the spokesman of American Society of Clinical Oncology. He said that medical clinics in Europe are not using radiotherapy in their standard treatments. A decrease of almost 50% of the deaths cause by prostate cancer definitely represents an evident medical benefit, according to Sandler.
For men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, combining radiotherapy with medication and androgen hormones reduces the risk of death with almost 50%, according to the results of a study released in September 22, 2008 at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Radiology in Boston.

Advanced prostate cancer is the cancer which grows on the edge of the prostate or it covers it by invading the surrounding woven, but it did not metastasize in regional ganglion or in any other organs. In this study, anti androgen hormones is used to treat cancer by blocking the stimulation effect of testosterone in prostate cancer cells and this way it slows down the growth of the tumor. Radiotherapy is represented by daily sessions of irradiation applied on the prostate. The study, which was carried on 800 patients, showed that 18% of those who only had hormonal treatment died of prostate cancer, compared to 9% of those who received both types of therapy.
Prostate Cancer Warning Signs
Published on Feb 03 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
The prostatic specific antigen, PSA, is the best instrument available for the detection of prostate cancer in early, therefore curable, stages. The test measures the PSA levels in the blood. Neoplastic prostatic cells produce this protein in excess, thus determining higher levels of PSA in the blood. Still, the method cannot make the difference between higher PSA levels caused by the cancer and higher PSA levels caused by other elements, such as infection or recent ejaculation. Prostate cancer warning signs are nearly non-existent since the illness is evolving slowly and without any symptoms in the initial stages.
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Some of the prostate cancer warning signs include pain during urination, frequent urination, especially at night, and the presence of blood in the urine and sperm. Lumbar pain, chest pain, pelvic pain or pain in the thighs can signal that the illness has started dissemination towards the ribs, pelvis or other bones. All these symptoms, however, can have other causes, such as infections or prostate adenoma, or an increase in volume of the prostate, which is a natural result of aging.

The doctor will suspect the presence of prostate cancer if the rectal digital examination (a maneuver performed using gloves and checking the contour of the rectal wall) reveals the presence of a bump or other prostatic irregularities. Once the bump is discovered, usual practice requires a biopsy (by which the doctor collects some prostatic tissue and examines it under a microscope). The American Cancer Society recommends the annual performance of a rectal digital examination for men aged over 50 and also the annual performance of a PSA test.
At the moment, it is still debated if men of susceptible age (generally over 45) should undergo screening for prostate cancer. Controversy involved in routine screening is maintained by several factors, including the fact that regular PSA tests are not always conclusive and mass screening requires some hefty costs. However, recent progress could soon lead to the promotion of tests targeting pre-cancerous prostatic lesions, tests that specifically target and inquire prostate cancer warning signs.
These tests will be able to make the difference between DNA cells and cells with neoplastic DNA. Such tests will tell the doctor if you are predisposed to prostate cancer long before the appearance of detectable cancer cells. Local cancers can be treated with hormones that fight the tumor or cytostatic medicine, which reduce the tumor and suppress its capacity to metastasize (to invade the surrounding tissue). Certain drugs can slow down the evolution of cancer once it has gone beyond the prostate gland.

In many cases prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) is associated with radiotherapy. However, this operation can entail impotence and urinary incontinence. An alternative to this treatment would be therapy with radioactive implants, where a radioactive iodine source is inserted into the prostate. The procedure, performed under anesthetics, protects the healthy and surrounding tissue and seems to be as efficient as surgical intervention in the early stages of cancer.
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Some of the prostate cancer warning signs include pain during urination, frequent urination, especially at night, and the presence of blood in the urine and sperm. Lumbar pain, chest pain, pelvic pain or pain in the thighs can signal that the illness has started dissemination towards the ribs, pelvis or other bones. All these symptoms, however, can have other causes, such as infections or prostate adenoma, or an increase in volume of the prostate, which is a natural result of aging.

The doctor will suspect the presence of prostate cancer if the rectal digital examination (a maneuver performed using gloves and checking the contour of the rectal wall) reveals the presence of a bump or other prostatic irregularities. Once the bump is discovered, usual practice requires a biopsy (by which the doctor collects some prostatic tissue and examines it under a microscope). The American Cancer Society recommends the annual performance of a rectal digital examination for men aged over 50 and also the annual performance of a PSA test.
At the moment, it is still debated if men of susceptible age (generally over 45) should undergo screening for prostate cancer. Controversy involved in routine screening is maintained by several factors, including the fact that regular PSA tests are not always conclusive and mass screening requires some hefty costs. However, recent progress could soon lead to the promotion of tests targeting pre-cancerous prostatic lesions, tests that specifically target and inquire prostate cancer warning signs.
These tests will be able to make the difference between DNA cells and cells with neoplastic DNA. Such tests will tell the doctor if you are predisposed to prostate cancer long before the appearance of detectable cancer cells. Local cancers can be treated with hormones that fight the tumor or cytostatic medicine, which reduce the tumor and suppress its capacity to metastasize (to invade the surrounding tissue). Certain drugs can slow down the evolution of cancer once it has gone beyond the prostate gland.

In many cases prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) is associated with radiotherapy. However, this operation can entail impotence and urinary incontinence. An alternative to this treatment would be therapy with radioactive implants, where a radioactive iodine source is inserted into the prostate. The procedure, performed under anesthetics, protects the healthy and surrounding tissue and seems to be as efficient as surgical intervention in the early stages of cancer.
Prostate Cancer Treatment And Sterility
Published on Feb 03 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
If you are looking for a connection between prostate cancer treatment and sterility then you have come to the right place, but first you need to be patient and understand what you are dealing with. Prostate cancer is the malignant tumor that touches the prostate, especially in the shape of an adeno-carcinoma. Prostate cancer is extremely frequent, affecting one in two men aged over 60.
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Most often, this type of cancer does not show ay type of symptoms. In other cases, it is translated through blood in the urine and through an abnormal increase in the number of urination, which becomes difficult, since the patient needs to force the evacuation of the bladder. Finally, prostate cancer can, when metastasized, cause fatigue, anemia, loss of weight, and so on.

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor with a very slow evolution, which does not constitute the main cause for death in the older patients carrying this affliction. A combination of biomarkers detectable solely in urine can now lead to the easier identification of prostate cancer. Thus, the classic blood tests could be dropped when seeking clues of prostate cancer. American researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that a simple urine test meant to identify the presence of four proteins had an 80% precision rate in the identification of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer treatment and sterility
- The choice of each therapeutic method depends on the age and general state of the patient, as well as the evolution of the illness, namely if it is local or metastasized. When the cancer is local, in the prostate alone, the treatment involves total ablation of the prostate, of the seminal vesicles and of the differential ampoules, prostatic radiotherapy or, perhaps, chemotherapy. These methods allow complete curing of the cancer in a very high number of cases. These treatments, however, are only proposed to patients below 70. When the cancer has metastasized or when the patient is very aged and has a poor general state, aggressive cures are not the case: hormone therapy allows a remission that often lasts several years.
- The surgical method consist of applying an partial endoscopic ablation of the prostate, when the tumor blocks off the prostatic urethra, or of surgically removing the entire prostate, the seminal vesicles and the differential ampoules (total or radical prostatectomy).
- External radiotherapy of the prostate and of the pelvic ganglions envisions curing the cancer by destroying the entire tumor and its extensions. This treatment can result in urinary incontinence, impotence and/or irritation of the bladder and rectum.
- Hormone therapy is reserved for prostate cancers that have metastasized. This is a palliative treatment that consists of suppressing the secretion of androgen hormones by the testicles. These hormones stimulate the growth of the cancer. The therapy is based on two methods:

- pulpectomy (surgical ablation of the functional tissue in the testicles) entails sterility and impotence
- medical treatment also envisions the suppression of androgenic testicular secretion. Administered in a continuous manner, the gonadoliberin agonists and the anti-androgens, which act on the pituitary gland and on the prostate, are equally efficient as a pulpectomy, but they too entail sterility and impotence.
- chemotherapy is rarely used because of its low success rate against prostate cancer.
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Most often, this type of cancer does not show ay type of symptoms. In other cases, it is translated through blood in the urine and through an abnormal increase in the number of urination, which becomes difficult, since the patient needs to force the evacuation of the bladder. Finally, prostate cancer can, when metastasized, cause fatigue, anemia, loss of weight, and so on.

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor with a very slow evolution, which does not constitute the main cause for death in the older patients carrying this affliction. A combination of biomarkers detectable solely in urine can now lead to the easier identification of prostate cancer. Thus, the classic blood tests could be dropped when seeking clues of prostate cancer. American researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that a simple urine test meant to identify the presence of four proteins had an 80% precision rate in the identification of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer treatment and sterility
- The choice of each therapeutic method depends on the age and general state of the patient, as well as the evolution of the illness, namely if it is local or metastasized. When the cancer is local, in the prostate alone, the treatment involves total ablation of the prostate, of the seminal vesicles and of the differential ampoules, prostatic radiotherapy or, perhaps, chemotherapy. These methods allow complete curing of the cancer in a very high number of cases. These treatments, however, are only proposed to patients below 70. When the cancer has metastasized or when the patient is very aged and has a poor general state, aggressive cures are not the case: hormone therapy allows a remission that often lasts several years.
- The surgical method consist of applying an partial endoscopic ablation of the prostate, when the tumor blocks off the prostatic urethra, or of surgically removing the entire prostate, the seminal vesicles and the differential ampoules (total or radical prostatectomy).
- External radiotherapy of the prostate and of the pelvic ganglions envisions curing the cancer by destroying the entire tumor and its extensions. This treatment can result in urinary incontinence, impotence and/or irritation of the bladder and rectum.
- Hormone therapy is reserved for prostate cancers that have metastasized. This is a palliative treatment that consists of suppressing the secretion of androgen hormones by the testicles. These hormones stimulate the growth of the cancer. The therapy is based on two methods:

- pulpectomy (surgical ablation of the functional tissue in the testicles) entails sterility and impotence
- medical treatment also envisions the suppression of androgenic testicular secretion. Administered in a continuous manner, the gonadoliberin agonists and the anti-androgens, which act on the pituitary gland and on the prostate, are equally efficient as a pulpectomy, but they too entail sterility and impotence.
- chemotherapy is rarely used because of its low success rate against prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer 2
Published on Feb 02 2010, in the categories: Uncategorized
A small organ, with a strategic position
The prostate is a muscular glandular organ, positioned right next to the urinary bladder, circling the first portion of the urethra. The prostate has the shape of a chestnut, faced down and based near the urinary bladder. The back of the prostate is connected to the rectum and its palpation is possible through the anus. At a man aged 20-25, the prostate has a length of 4-4.5 centimetres, a breadth of 3-5 centimetres and a weight of 38 millimetres.
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Affections of prostate
The prostate is a delicate organ that needs a lot of care and most men are neglectful of this aspect. Prostate cancer is an affection specific to men over 50 years old. The prostate cancer has a slow evolution, with no major manifestations and in most cases, it is discovered by accident, after a routine control.

Epidemiology
As a frequency, prostate cancer occupies the third place among men, after lung and stomach cancer and it is the fourth cause of death in cancer cases. The most important increases in prostate cancer cases occur in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and occidental countries. In the United States, for example, in the past five years, the numbers of prostate cancer doubled, and in France over 25,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Prostate cancer is rarer in Eastern Europe and Asia. The risk of prostate cancer grows with the age, as it happens in breast cancer cases. Men over the age of 50 should take regular medical checks each year.
Risk factors
-Age is, no doubt, the main risk factor. Almost ¾ of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at men over 65 years old. Studies show that men who have prostate cancer cases in their medical background have a higher risk of developing this disease. At the moment, specialized teams are searching for the gene that is responsible for the appearance of prostate cancer and the research is in progress.
-The prostate adenoma, even if it is a benign lesion, it is considered an important factor in prostate cancer cases.
-Vasectomy, as a contraceptive method can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
-It is stated that a diet containing animal fat favours prostate cancer. Vegetarians have low risks of developing this disease. In order to prevent the appearance of this disease, you should eliminate fats, red meat, alcohol, tobacco and sweets in your diet. The well known magazine, „The Lancet”, published the results of its research, carried out on a period of 30 years on 6.272 de Swedish, from which 466 were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- Excessive sexual activity and multiple partners increase the risk of prostate cancer
- Specific and unspecific affections: badly treated prostate, herpes or papilloma.

This is why it is very important for men over 50 to go to a doctor regularly, in order to prevent prostate cancer or at least diagnose it. If there are prostate cancer cases in the family medical background, the test should be taken at the age of 40.
The prostate is a muscular glandular organ, positioned right next to the urinary bladder, circling the first portion of the urethra. The prostate has the shape of a chestnut, faced down and based near the urinary bladder. The back of the prostate is connected to the rectum and its palpation is possible through the anus. At a man aged 20-25, the prostate has a length of 4-4.5 centimetres, a breadth of 3-5 centimetres and a weight of 38 millimetres.
<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->
Affections of prostate
The prostate is a delicate organ that needs a lot of care and most men are neglectful of this aspect. Prostate cancer is an affection specific to men over 50 years old. The prostate cancer has a slow evolution, with no major manifestations and in most cases, it is discovered by accident, after a routine control.

Epidemiology
As a frequency, prostate cancer occupies the third place among men, after lung and stomach cancer and it is the fourth cause of death in cancer cases. The most important increases in prostate cancer cases occur in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and occidental countries. In the United States, for example, in the past five years, the numbers of prostate cancer doubled, and in France over 25,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Prostate cancer is rarer in Eastern Europe and Asia. The risk of prostate cancer grows with the age, as it happens in breast cancer cases. Men over the age of 50 should take regular medical checks each year.
Risk factors
-Age is, no doubt, the main risk factor. Almost ¾ of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at men over 65 years old. Studies show that men who have prostate cancer cases in their medical background have a higher risk of developing this disease. At the moment, specialized teams are searching for the gene that is responsible for the appearance of prostate cancer and the research is in progress.
-The prostate adenoma, even if it is a benign lesion, it is considered an important factor in prostate cancer cases.
-Vasectomy, as a contraceptive method can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
-It is stated that a diet containing animal fat favours prostate cancer. Vegetarians have low risks of developing this disease. In order to prevent the appearance of this disease, you should eliminate fats, red meat, alcohol, tobacco and sweets in your diet. The well known magazine, „The Lancet”, published the results of its research, carried out on a period of 30 years on 6.272 de Swedish, from which 466 were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- Excessive sexual activity and multiple partners increase the risk of prostate cancer
- Specific and unspecific affections: badly treated prostate, herpes or papilloma.

This is why it is very important for men over 50 to go to a doctor regularly, in order to prevent prostate cancer or at least diagnose it. If there are prostate cancer cases in the family medical background, the test should be taken at the age of 40.