Cancer Resources

The diagnosis of prostrate cancer is done by doing a biopsy of the prostrate gland. The PSA test is performed and if the test is found to be abnormal, the cancer test is positive. The biopsy of the prostrate gland is done transrectally and the signs are obtained by ultrasound images. A needle is used to cut a small portion of the prostate gland. Normally, portions are taken from the base, apex and mid area of the prostrate gland. Sometimes, a large number of samples are taken to gain more efficiency. This happens normally in glands which are larger in size. The cut portion is further examined under a microscope by a pathologist, who then identifies the cancerous cells in the tissue.

Once the prostrate cancer is diagnosed, the pathologist further examines the pieces on a Gleason scale. The scale determines the characteristics of cancerous cells and thus detects the aggressiveness of the prostrate cancer. Based on the scores given by the scale, a proper treatment is suggested depending upon the intensity of the cancer. The main objective of this test is to determine the intensity of the risk of the prostrate cancer. A higher score suggests that the cancer has infected the lymph node and has resulted in metastases or secondary growth. People having a moderate score have a very little risk from the cancer while those who get a high score face a tremendous risk of cancer. Continue reading ‘How To Diagnose Prostrate Cancer’ »

There is no specific cause for prostrate cancer. But the most commonly observed are old age, inheritance, hormonal effects, infections due to toxins and chemicals. People who are below 40 are less prone to prostrate cancer, but those who are above 80 are more prone. Almost 70-80% of the population in this age group are known to be affected by prostrate cancer.

Inheritance plays a major role in causing prostrate cancer. The type of food consumed or the environment are also equally responsible for causing prostrate cancer. Prostrate cancer is more common in people who already have members infected in the family. Therefore, a person whose grandfather or uncle or father is already having prostrate cancer has a risk of developing prostrate cancer as compared to a person whose family is not affected. Inheritance is majorly caused due to genes that are located on chromosomes and which determine some qualities in individuals.

Talking about hormones, the male hormone which is called as testosterone, is responsible for the abnormal growth of the prostrate tissue and prostrate cancer cells. It is believed to be directly involved in causing and spreading of prostrate cancer. Continue reading ‘Causes and Prevention of Prostate Cancer’ »