Malignant neoplasm of the prostate Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men and the most common visceral malignancy in Western countries. Most common after the age of 50, 16% of men have, throughout their lifetime, the chance of developing prostate cancer and about 3% may die of this disease.

Although of unknown cause, it is known that environmental factors, such as a diet rich in fats and proteins, a sedentary lifestyle and stress can play an important role. It is not yet possible to prevent this disease and numerous studies are underway to identify substances that may prevent it's appearance.

The enormous frequency and mortality demand an effort towards early diagnosis, in which point the disease is localized in the organ and is still curable.

From the age of 50, all men should have annual prostate monitoring. In the case of black men, or with relatives who have suffered from this disease, surveillance should begin at the age of 45.

Screening for prostate cancer is done through a blood test, the prostate specific antigen (PSA), and doctor's observation of the prostate through rectal examination. If suspecionn arises, only a prostate biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.

Only when the tumor is located to the organ can the disease be cured. At this stage there are rarely symptoms, so screening is critical. Symptoms are usually associated with advanced disease.

If discovered in its early stages, there are three forms of curative treatment. The most commonly used is surgery, the radical prostatectomy, in which the whole prostate and the seminal vesicles are removed. External radiotherapy or brachytherapy may also be used. With this, radioactive seeds are introduced under anesthesia into the prostate. At the stage where the tumor is located cures are reached in more than 80% of patients.

When the disease is advanced or has spread, there are only palliative treatments, such as hormone therapy, usually in the form of quarterly injections or pills.